A Message from Justin
Jeffrey Veatch's powerful multimedia presentation inspiring young people across the country.
About the Multimedia Talk
Award-winning network news writer Jeffrey Veatch's multimedia presentation discusses how his life changed immeasurably when the national opioid crisis touched his family. Veatch's 40-minute talk tells the story of his 17-year-old son, whose bright future was cut short by an accidental drug overdose in 2008.
A Message From Justin is inspiring thousands of young people across the country to take better care of themselves and their friends. Jeffrey Veatch has presented the talk to more than sixty thousand students. It is particularly relevant to students ages 13 to 18 and their parents.
Mr. Veatch discusses what happened to Justin, how young people can take better care of themselves and watch out for their friends, and how facing adversity can be used as a tool for the good of all. The fees for Mr. Veatch's appearances, less expenses, go entirely to The Justin Veatch Fund for its programs and scholarships.
"Justin's story is a compelling presentation for high school students and their parents, that leaves the audience realizing that a drug overdose can happen in any family, that prevention and early intervention are key, and that friends never want to feel that they might have been able to do something to save a life, but didn't."
— Ellen Morehouse, Director and Substance Abuse Prevention Expert,
Student Assistance Services Corporation
What Educators Are Saying
"…I just want to make sure you know how powerful, appropriate, and timely your message was for both parents and students. Thank you for your strength and courage to stand and deliver."Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr., Superintendent of Schools
Newtown, CT Public Schools
"You bring such a powerful and timely message: ANYONE can have a problem with drugs. Adults and students can relate to your story. In the several presentations I attended I was impressed with your ability to connect with the students."Elise Spinelli, Bridges Prevention/Education, Oneida, NY
"Jeffrey delivers from the heart with the elegance and style of a true professional. His presentation captivates hearts and takes audiences on a beautiful journey that leaves them inspired and informed."Luke Dean Niforatos, Chief of Staff & Sr. Policy Advisor
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM)
"Mr. Veatch's presentation had a powerful and profound impact on our entire student body…His message of prevention came through loud and clear and it was evident that his words resonated very deeply with our students."Lisa Bechtel, Student Assistance Counselor
Newton High School, Newton, NJ
"Your presentation is wonderful. It's very moving and so gentle and loving that it catches people off guard and makes them think about what you're saying. One attendee stopped me a few days later with tears and told me how moved she was."Ruth Stein, Committee Chair
Duncan Littlefair Great Speakers Series, Grand Rapids, MI
"I love thinking about the impact you've had on so many students. They really do take in every word and will hopefully carry the message you've shared with them for the rest of their lives. Justin's story touches my heart."Judy Gothelf, Lazar Middle School, Montville, NJ
Book Jeffrey Veatch for Your School or Community
To schedule A Message from Justin for your school, organization, or community event, please contact us directly.
Appearances
High Schools
- Somers High School, Somers, NY
- Canastota High School, Canastota, NY
- Madison High School, Madison, NY
- DeRuyter High School, DeRuyter, NY
- Stockbridge Valley High School, Munnsville, NY
- Hamilton High School, Hamilton, NY
- Chittenango High School, Chittenango, NY
- Madison BOCES, Verona, NY
- Ulster BOCES, Port Ewen, NY
- Storm King School, Cornwall on Hudson, NY
- Newtown High School, Newtown, CT
- Ellenville High School, Ellenville, NY
- Poland Central High School, Herkimer County, NY
- Frankfurt-Schuyer High School, Herkimer County, NY
- Dolgeville High School, Herkimer County, NY
- Sleepy Hollow High School, Tarrytown, NY
- Division Avenue High School, Levittown, NY
- The Masters School, Dobbs Ferry, NY
- Rye High School, Rye, NY
- Nyack High School, Nyack, NY
- Staples High School, Westport, CT
- John Jay High School, Cross River, NY
- Wamogo High School, Litchfield, CT
- New Milford High School, New Milford, CT
- Fox Meadow High School, Yorktown, NY
- Half Hollow Hills High School, Dix Hills, NY
- Newfield High School, Selden, NY
- Lakeland High School, Yorktown, NY
- Pleasantville High School, Pleasantville, NY
- Bayshore High School, Islip, NY
- Ardsley High School, Ardsley, NY
- Irvington High School, Irvington, NY
- Newton High School, Newton, NJ
Middle Schools
- Eisenhower Middle School, Wycoff, NJ
- Franklin Avenue Middle School, Franklin Lakes, NJ
- Lazar Middle School, Montville, NJ
- Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
- Valley View Middle School, Watchung, NJ
- Pleasantville Middle School, Pleasantville, NY
- Brewster Middle School, Brewster, NY
Other Events
- Herkimer Community College, Herkimer County, NY
- Arms Acres Group Sessions, Carmel, NY
- Duncan Littlefair Great Speakers Series, Grand Rapids, MI
- Save a Life Forum, Yorktown, NY
- The SAM Summit, Atlanta, GA
- Peekskill Rotary Club, Peekskill, NY
- Gefilte Festival, Temple Israel, Croton on Hudson, NY
- The Harrison Forum, Harrison, NY
- Ossining Library Documentary Series, Ossining, NY
- National Honor Society, Yorktown High School, Yorktown, NY
- White Plains Public Library, White Plains, NY
- Portchester Family University, Portchester, NY
- Cortlandt Forum, Cortlandt, NY
- SADD Regional Luncheon, Tarrytown, NY
- BOCES Regional Crisis Team Showcase, Yorktown, NY
- Student Assistance Services Inc. Showcase, Tarrytown, NY
- Peekskill Youth Council Summer Camp, Peekskill, NY