Univision ‘Salud es Vida…Entérate!’ continues to address a a dangerous issue for our communities.

Univision Communications Inc. as part of its Peabody award winning health initiative, “Salud es Vida…Entérate!” (Lead a Healthy Life…Get the Facts!), will air a special half-hour program to address substance abuse trends among young Hispanics in the United States and Puerto Rico. Hosted by Univision’s weekend news anchor and correspondent, Edna Schmidt, the program “Enfoque…Abuso de Substancias” (Focus…Substance Abuse), will air on Saturday, July 29th on all Univision stations across the country (check local listings for time). The program will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of drug abuse in the U.S., including the increasing misuse of prescription pain medications.

According to a recent study released by the Partnership for a Drug Free America, one in every ten teenagers abuse over-the-counter medicines, such as cough remedies, and one in five have abused prescription pain medication. “Enfoque…Abuso de Substancias” will focus on the prevalence of drug abuse among young adults and the frequency with which they also misuse prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. The special will feature exclusive interviews with teens who are now in recovery programs, sharing their personal stories of addiction, overdose and how it led them to commit crimes.

The special will also include interviews with medical health experts who examine the detrimental effects of alcohol and drugs to the brain, liver and other major organs and provide information on national programs and services available to help combat substance abuse.

“Salud es Vida…Entérate” is a national call-to-action designed to raise awareness, increase knowledge and encourage positive health decision-making. The initiative leverages Univision’s diverse media assets to educate its audience on health issues and promote primary prevention, habits of healthy living, access to care and disease-specific prevention and treatment.