What Is PlaySmart?
PlaySmart is an opioid misuse prevention initiative designed specifically for student athletes and the adults who influence them. Through school presentations, coach and parent education, community engagement, and countywide media campaigns, PlaySmart strengthens protective factors and reduces risk among youth.
Key Elements:
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Prevention-focused, not treatment
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Evidence-informed curriculum
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Designed for student athletes & athletic support systems
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Backed by PlaySafe USA
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Built on South Carolina data and county community needs
Why This Matters
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Student athletes are at higher risk of opioid exposure due to injuries, pressure to perform, and limited pain-management alternatives.
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Many SC counties face high poverty rates, limited healthcare access, and rural barriers that increase vulnerability.
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The majority of opioid misuse starts with a legal prescription.
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Early education is the most effective prevention tool for youth.
How PlaySmart Works (The Model)
1. School-Based Education
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Presentations for student athletes
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Coach education
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Parent/family sessions
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Athletic trainer integration
2. Community Engagement
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Faith communities
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Clubs, gyms, youth programs
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Civic organizations
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Local sports leagues
Why Student Athletes?
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High physical demand
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Chronic overuse injuries
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Return-to-play pressure
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Performance expectations
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Limited access to pain-management education
Coaches vs.Prevention Playbooks
Help us Change the Game
Donate $2.00 and...🏈 Change the Game!
Keeping student athletes healthy on and off the field.
The PlaySmart Program in partnership with PlaySafe USA equips student athletes, parents, and the community with knowledge about the risks and dangers of opioid misuse — empowering them to make safe, informed decisions.
Each $2 gift provides a PlaySmart Prevention Playbook to a student, helping us reach entire schools, teams, and youth groups across South Carolina.
Your Impact:
$10 = 5 PlayBooks (1 small team)
$50 = 25 PlayBooks (1 classroom)
$100 = 50 PlayBooks (half a school team)
$250 = 125 PlayBooks (an athletic department)
$500 = 250 PlayBooks (an entire school or community event)
🏈 Two dollars can change the play — and save a life.
About PlaySafe USA
PlaySmart is a program of PlaySafe USA — a nonprofit honored as a 2024 Angel Charity in South Carolina, with 82.2% of budget going directly to program services.
