More than 140 Americans die every day due to overdosing on opioids which include heroin, fentanyl and prescription drugs. In fact, since 1999, the number of American overdose deaths involving opioids has quadrupled, killing over 560,000 people, more than gun homicides and auto crashes combined, according to stats from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The situation is so dire that it spurred President Trump to declare it a national emergency. The White House released a statement August 10 indicating the administration will use all “emergency and other authorities to respond to the crisis caused by the opioid epidemic." 

The devastation caused by the opioid epidemic can’t be overstated. Its effects are felt not just by those addicted, but by their families and friends, the medical, legal and business communities, and ultimately tax payers who need to fund the programs that are necessary for both drug treatment and law enforcement. 

One simple tool being utilized by some areas in Pennsylvania is the yard sign. The goal of the signs is to engage communities, reduce overdoses and to let drug dealers know that citizens are keeping an eye on their neighborhoods. The bright red and white signs are imprinted with “Push Out the Pusher! Report drug activity. Rewards up to $5,000” as well as the phone number to call to make the report which can be done anonymously. The lawn signs, that look similar to the ones used during election season for political candidates, are also appearing in business windows in towns that are being hit hard with losses due to drug dealing.

The “Push Out the Pusher” sign campaign started in Cambria County in the Western part of PA, and due to its success, spread to surrounding areas. This year, due to rising opioid deaths, a similar campaign was started in the Philadelphia-suburb area of Bucks County. According to local Bucks officials, the signs are in demand and have quickly raised funds. The aim is to raise $100,000 by June 2018 to assist the crime-fighting project.

PA State Rep. John Galloway of Falls Township and Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub, are leaders in the newly formed nonprofit, Bucks County Crime Stoppers, and have used the “Push Out the Pusher” tag on letterhead to ask for funds from business leaders to help combat the epidemic. Weintraub stated that with only 700 police officers in Bucks County, they need the help of its 630,000 citizens. “This is our offensive in the war on heroin,” Galloway said at a press conference announcing the campaign. “This sign represents everything to us.” Weintraub added: “Heroin knows no boundaries and we have to take this fight wherever we find heroin.” 

With the seriousness of this epidemic, those in the promo products industry should be alert to fill a need for awareness items. In addition to yard signs, distributors can provide printed educational tools including signage, guides and pamphlets for health providers. For example, some states are expanding education rules for opioid prescribers in medical and dental schools. Because these are new mandates, these printed guides would be beneficial to students and instructors, as well as current practitioners to foster a better understanding of the new requirements.

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