September 16, 2024

I Choose My Future, the drug prevention education video series that provides young people with information about the dangers of drugs and drug misuse, is now available in Spanish.

The series includes tools and resources to help young people choose a future without drugs.

The new offering provides Spanish-speaking students and families the opportunity to hear in their own language about the challenges students face around drugs and drug misuse.

“There are abundant resources for prevention produced in English, but unfortunately there are very few produced for the Spanish-speaking community,” said Rocky Herron, video host and drug prevention ambassador at the San Diego County Office of Education. “These videos are a free and easy-to-use tool, designed to give Spanish-speaking families the opportunity to protect their kids. I am very proud that I have been able to participate in this beautiful project with SDCOE.”

I Choose My Future or Yo Elijo Mi Futuro explores the impacts of drug use on the developing brain; explains the dangers of vaping, marijuana, opioids, fentanyl, and other drugs; and provides strategies for handling peer pressure and getting help. The videos offer perspective on how substance misuse impacts individuals, their families, and society. Interviews with doctors, experts, and families highlight lived experiences of the destruction and heartache drug misuse can cause.

Herron hosts the video series in both languages, which also features interviews with doctors, experts, and families sharing their lived experiences. Herron spent 31 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration and learned Spanish while on assignment. He has been providing in-person presentations in Spanish and English for many years, sharing his own lived experiences with students.

“Drugs today are stronger, cheaper, easier to get, and more socially acceptable than ever. Every single tool we can offer schools to warn and prepare kids has a value that can’t be calculated,” Herron said. “We must change the culture. Kids need and deserve many voices warning them about drug use today.”

In San Diego County, there were more than 1,200 drug overdose deaths in 2023, a large percentage of which were from fentanyl or a mix of fentanyl and other drugs.

SDCOE launched the video series in English last October. Thousands of students across the county have seen the in-person presentation and watched the videos. With the Spanish version, the goal is to reach thousands more.

Coronado Middle School student Anna Thoms shared last year how the drug prevention presentation impacted her.
“This presentation really showed me how even trying something one time or saying yes one time can completely change your entire approach to life, your future,” she explained. “I think this issue is something that really needs to be spread.”

SDCOE has focused on comprehensive substance-abuse-prevention education for decades, an approach that combines education, harm-reduction strategies, and mental health and well-being supports.

“I’m proud of the work SDCOE and districts throughout the county are doing to increase drug prevention and awareness efforts in our schools and communities,” said County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza. “As we work toward a healthier county by creating welcoming environments for students and families, and prioritize student health and well-being, it’s critical young people are aware of the dangers of drugs and have the tools to help them choose a safe, healthy future.”

Experts and guests appearing in the series include: Summer Stephan, San Diego County district attorney; Dr. Natalie Laub, assistant professor of pediatrics at UC San Diego; Sandy Nolan, parent; Jennifer Harmon, director at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department; Dr. Roneet Lev, emergency medicine specialist at Scripps Mercy Hospital; and Dave and Rita Palet, parents.