With millions of viewers around the world, it’s safe to say that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (aka the UFC) knows how to leave a lasting impact. And this month, company president Dana White is using that clout for a noble cause. Via viral YouTube videos and pre-rolls before fights, his organization is helping to spread a message about the dangers of addiction.
White features prominently in a :50 clip about the nation’s opioid epidemic. Speaking directly to the camera, he addresses the grave damage that painkiller dependencies can cause.
“Today, the United States is facing one of the worst opioid crises in history,” White explains in the video. “Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 50. Reach out and help someone start on the path to recovery today.”
The clip then concludes with a special toll-free phone number provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The hope, of course, would be that fans who are struggling reach out and get in contact with recovery professional.
And truth be told, nearly all of the org’s fans had a chance to see the message. The video made its world premiere just prior to the famed Jones vs. Smith fight on March 2. Since then, it has been broadcast on the UFC website and on commercial breaks during TV events.
White and his company first made headlines within the addiction community back in October of last year. During that month he was joined by business leaders from Amazon and Facebook, as they watched President Donald Trump sign the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. That initiative helped set in motion governmental assistance for opioid recovery programs.
So far, White is staying true to his word on publicly getting the message out. And he claims that the new short clip is only the beginning. As the months roll on, his organization intends highlight star athletes in a campaign to promote addiction awareness. There will also be signage and support systems in place at upcoming live UFC events.
If you ask us, the latest video gets things off to a strong start. In just a few short days, it has already received over 30,000 views on YouTube (as well as hundreds of supportive comments). To watch the PSA in its entirety, click the play button below.
