“5 Minutes for Life” is an educational campaign to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the demand for illegal drug use among high school students and other young adults. The campaign, which began in 2013, is a partnership including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio High School Athletic Association, Ohio National Guard and Ohio Department of Public Safety. Members of these agencies talk for five minutes with student‐athletes before or after a practice about responsible decision making, leadership and encouraging those in their peer group to live a drug‐free lifestyle.
The presentations may also include testimonials from those directly impacted by drug addiction. Athletes are encouraged to spread the message within their school using the 5 Minutes for Life key points. High school students are encouraged to use social media to promote these key concepts and post/send related video messages to Facebook and Twitter sites operated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. 5 Minutes for Life represents a tangible way in which Ohio high school students and athletes can contribute to a safer Ohio. It’s only five minutes for the rest of their life.
Whether it’s golf, tennis, cross country, field hockey, soccer, volleyball, or football, 5 Minutes for Life is intended to remind and encourage teens to lead by example and encourage peers to live a responsible, drug‐free lifestyle.
Across Ohio, student‐athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, band members, and other people who realize their example can make a difference are pledging their support of 5 Minutes for Life. Additional information on the 5 Minutes for Life can be found at https://www.facebook.com/fiveminutesforlife or www.twitter.com/5minutesforlife.
— Lt. Tim Grigsby, Commander Ohio State Highway Patrol Van Wert Post
