Public Service Announcements

Public Service Announcements (PSAs) have long been an effective tool to raise awareness about important issues and bring about change in public attitudes and behaviors. With this in mind, P-CASA partnered with Paterson youth to create a PSA centered on the youths’ perceptions and realities regarding substance abuse. The youth who participated used their creative and critical thinking skills to showcase thoughts and ideas in an innovative way.

CHECK OUT THE PSA!

Here are several examples of the students’ work:

Poem written by Ashonia Willis

I tried you and I couldn’t stop.

So I took more and more until I dropped.

I tried to fight back, I tried to stay away

I even went to church got on my knees and prayed.

I don’t know how people stop using you,

Because every second that’s all I want to do.

I want you out of my life.

I wish you were human so I can kill you with a knife.

Only god knows if the day will come.

When I can say no, turn my back and just run.

The day that I can say goodbye.

Lord knows I regret when I tried.

Someone please help me,

I don’t want wanna die.

I really don’t want to cry,

All because they told me to try.

 

Photos taken by Paterson youth

 

Will You Help Us Build a Better Paterson?

P-CASA understands that we can accomplish much more by working together with the wonderful people of Paterson. If you or your organization want to help build a safer and healthier Paterson for our youth, join us as we work to eliminate underage drinking, tobacco, and substance use.

There are many ways to get involved:

  • Attend P-CASA meetings
  • Participate in a P-CASA subcommittee or working group
  • Provide access to survey participants
  • Help distribute prevention messages and materials
  • Advocate for policies and ordinances that align with P-CASA’s goals and mission
  • Provide insight and solutions to community concerns
  • Represent P-CASA at community events and meetings
  • Recruit community members to join and participate as P-CASA members

 

* Paterson statistics presented through P-CASA data collection findings.