Staff Reports | Community Updates
Mesa has announced a new partnership with The Be Kind People Project to launch Be Aware. Be Strong. Be Healthy Mesa, an educational initiative aimed at preventing opioid and drug use among youth.
Funded through Mesa’s opioid settlement allocation, the campaign will deliver age-appropriate content to students, educators and parents in Mesa Public Schools and other local institutions, according to a press release.
The program focuses on building resiliency in children to help them grow into confident teens and adults equipped to resist the pressures of substance use, the release states.
“This is a one-of-a-kind effort that invests in prevention by reaching children where they are,” said Mayor Mark Freeman. “By building confidence and resiliency early, we are strengthening the foundation for a healthier and stronger Mesa for generations to come.”
Mesa has received $4.7 million to date from national opioid settlements, with a projected total of up to $22 million over 18 years, city officials report.
Earlier this year, the city launched a $1 million community grant program to support prevention, early intervention and recovery services. Seven organizations received funding, including Jacob’s Hope, which provides care for newborns experiencing opioid withdrawal.
Mesa’s initial allocations focus on prevention, education and youth support:
•$1 million for public safety initiatives, including tools for Mesa Police to manage opioid-related incidents
•$1.2 million for community education and outreach, including $513,000 for The Be Kind People Project and other programs
•$1.1 million for nonprofit community grants
The education campaign complements the grant program and reflects the City Council’s directive to prioritize youth-focused prevention.
“The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities throughout Arizona,” said Marcia Meyer, founder and CEO of The Be Kind People Project. “Addressing it requires bold partnerships and innovative solutions. By reaching children and families early with programs that build confidence, kindness and resilience, we’re equipping Mesa’s students to make safe, healthy choices and lead positive lives—in school and far beyond.”
Data-Driven Approach
Since 2018, Mesa Fire and Medical has responded to more than 960 suspected opioid overdose incidents involving youth and young adults. According to the 2024 Arizona Youth Survey, more than half of local teens reported not recalling any public messaging about fentanyl dangers, and one in three had never discussed opioid risks with a parent or guardian.
“The Council has been clear: the most powerful impact Mesa can make with these funds is to invest in our children,” said Ms. Candace Cannistraro, deputy city manager. “We know that prevention education plays a vital role in deterring early substance abuse. By working directly with schools, this program helps equip young people with the tools they need to make positive choices.”
The Be Kind People Project will collaborate with Mesa Public Schools and other educational partners to deliver evidence-based content focused on healthy habits, confidence and resilience—protective factors shown to reduce the likelihood of future substance use.
“We are deeply grateful to the City of Mesa for its continued support in helping our schools educate students about the serious dangers of opioid misuse,” said Renee Parker, director of community partnerships for Mesa Public Schools. “Through our partnership and the talent of The Be Kind People Project, we will be able to provide engaging public service announcements that resonate with students and encourage safe, informed choices.”
Mesa is the second-largest recipient of opioid settlement funds in Maricopa County. Through strategic investments, the city aims to address current challenges while creating long-term, sustainable change.
