Change the Outcome

Change the Outcome is bringing real talk, real voices, and real information about the opioid/substance use epidemic to teens and young people in Minnesota. We deliver an innovative awareness and prevention program and have visited schools and reached thousands of young people, parents and educators throughout the state. The magic of our model is that we connect young people in recovery to young people in schools, have candid conversations, and deliver compelling, life-saving information to those most vulnerable to substance use disorder and opioid addiction. 

2020 had the largest increase in overdose fatalities ever recorded, more than 96,000 died. Overdoses are the leading cause of death for young adults and lead to more deaths in 14-24 year olds than suicide, car crashes and gun violence combined. Young people are being impacted at greater and faster rates than other age groups. Because of their stages of cognitive development, youth are particularly vulnerable to the effects of opioids. It is paramount that we provide timely, fact based information about how to recognize an overdose, Steve's Law, Narcan, Pressed pills, and the risks associated with even legitimately prescribed medications. 

Our approach takes into account every school’s limited capacity for new time commitments, and delivers our life-saving content in a convenient 2-hour format that teachers and schools can accommodate. We do not stigmatize or try to educate through fear, but rather equip young people and their communities with the information they need to understand the risks and know what to do in a crisis. 

We have a team of amazing volunteers who've also been touched in someway by this devastating disease. It's up to all of us to speak truth to young adults about risks they may encounter and equip them with knowledge that can prevent them from struggling themselves, offering support to a friend in need, or to seek help if they're struggling.