Youth prevention initiative affected by budget reductions
The National Crime Prevention Council has stopped its “Go For Real” campaign, led by McGruff the Crime Dog, after a reduction in federal funding. The program aimed to educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills through social media outreach, public service announcements, and school-based activities.
From classic slogans to the modern fentanyl crisis
McGruff, known since the 1980s for the slogan “Take a Bite Out of Crime,” had updated his message to address today’s threats. In partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the campaign warned against buying medication online and highlighted the dangers of fentanyl-laced products.
The nearly $2 million cut has halted the production of new PSAs and interrupted government-funded research on youth behavior in social media environments.
Prevention progress and recent statistics
According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdose deaths among people under 35 have dropped by nearly half in recent years — from more than 31,000 in 2021 to 16,690 in 2024. Experts fear that eliminating educational programs could reverse this progress.
Looking ahead
The council is seeking private donations and has moved up the launch of a true crime prevention podcast to partially offset the loss of funding. While the effectiveness of anti-drug campaigns has been debated, the organization maintains that “Go For Real” was successfully engaging young audiences and raising awareness about the risks of drug use.
