Generation S.O.S.

Miami high school student, Catalina Quimper created "Our Story-This is Generation S.O.S." Catalina is a member of our Youth Advisory Board.

Substance misuse and mental health struggles are devastating an entire generation of our children, no matter where they live or how “normal” their lives appear on the outside. Nearly 500 people, mostly young adults die from alcohol, drugs, and suicide every single day in America. 

You might think “Not my kid”, but do you really know? 

“Not my son…he’s in his bedroom studying, not out on some corner buying drugs from a stranger!” 

Reality check: Your teen doesn't have to leave the house to buy drugs; he can buy directly from a stranger on Snapchat or TikTok right from his bedroom. 

And when you get a call from the coroner in the middle of the night — as our CEO, Jim Hood, did the night he lost his son, Austin — to tell you your child has died of an overdose, you’ll stop breathing, too…in soul-crushing anguish and utter disbelief. 

“But, he’s the captain of the lacrosse team.” Or, “My daughter’s in the National Honors Society!” 

It. Does. Not. Matter. Substance misuse doesn’t discriminate. 

Teens have no idea the drugs they buy or get from a friend can be tainted with fentanyl and now xylazine— whether it’s Adderall, weed, Xanax, cocaine, or other substances. And it’s nearly impossible to know for sure whether what they’re using includes these silent killers.  

 Drugs don’t have to be illegal to be deadly.   

Sports injuries and wisdom teeth removal are typical teen experiences but doctor-prescribed opioids can send your child on a downward spiral into substance misuse.

Your teen needs to hear this:  

Experimenting with drugs can kill them. It doesn’t matter whether they’re a student in public school or private, high school or college, or what their zip code, race, ethnicity, orientation, or gender identity is.  

Generation S.O.S. is a unique substance misuse prevention program for Miami teens and young adults.  

We offer our program free of charge to Miami middle schools, high schools, and colleges, and that's why we are asking for your support. We open up an urgently needed — and very real — dialogue with students so they can openly and safely talk about mental health and substance use concerns. Generation S.O.S. has held school presentations at Lynn University, Jose Marti Mast Academy, Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart, Miami Country Day School, and Gulliver Prep. With your support, we can reach thousands of Miami teens throughout the city’s schools and community organizations.

 Your donations will help fund:

— Young Adult speakers 

— High School chapters 

— Online peer-to-peer connection 

— Coping Skills Video Library 

 The 4 P’s of Substance Misuse Prevention by Generation S.O.S.  

Peer-to-Peer Connection 

Teens just don’t listen to an adult lecturing with a PowerPoint presentation. But they do relate to another young adult’s deeply personal story of confronting and overcoming their mental health struggles and substance misuse at a young age. 

 Powerful and Heartfelt Messages from Young Adults 

Generation S.O.S. brings a young adult speaker, just a few years older than the students to share their painful story of struggling with mental health issues and turning to alcohol and drugs to escape. They share how they lost much of their teenage years to addiction until they saved their own life when they made the decision to get help. Raw. Revealing. Relatable. 

Positive, Practical Coping Skills 

Generation S.O.S. removes the shame and stigma around these very difficult-to-discuss subjects. Students are able to ask tough questions and hear honest answers. They realize they are not alone in their struggles. Our speakers share the coping skills and techniques they use to navigate day-to-day. 

Present & Participating Where Teens Are 

Our work takes place where teens and young adults are. We work directly with school and community leaders to connect with their students at middle schools, high schools, college campuses and meeting places across the country.  

 The message to students is the most powerful prevention tool to help save lives.  

“We all struggle with anxiety and loneliness, but you’re not alone. Talk with someone…get help if you need it. Try not to make the same mistakes I did.”  

Words from Students: 

Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart Chapter

Generation S.O.S., Miami Chapter

Learn more about Generation S.O.S. and our impact in Miami and in schools and communities around the country at Generationsos.org