Kids Off Drugs (KOD) is a high-energy, school-based initiative that helps youth and young adults avoid or reduce substance use. The program helps young people learn about the history of drugs in Baltimore and the cultural norms that lead to substance use. Inspired by the Grammy Award-winning rapper J-Cole and his album "K.O.D. (Kids On Drugs)," our program integrates Hip-Hop and Baltimore culture—including language, arts, and history—into a social, cultural, and contextual framework for addressing substance use.
Through the use of Hip-Hop culture, interactive presentations, and performances by local celebrities, participants learn about:
The effects of drugs
Risky behaviors associated with substance use
Skills for resisting and refusing substances
The impact of history, race, and culture on substance use
Our activities foster a creative environment where young people can express themselves and share their experiences. We offer three exciting K.O.D. activities for schools:
Juice and Paint
Versuz Battle
Tiny Desk
For more details about our program, please visit our K.O.D. website.