Vedhsai Thiriveedi wins Rep. Ann Kuster’s 2024 Congressional App Challenge in New Hampshire’s Second District

When asked what inspired the creation of PillPatrol, the student said, “As an advocate for substance misuse in the community, I witnessed the dangerous impact of counterfeit pills on individuals and communities, especially on the youth. Serving on the e-board of the New Hampshire Governor‚ Youth Advisory Prevention Council(GYAC) for the past year, I saw firsthand how misinformation and fake pills, particularly those laced with fentanyl, were contributing to rising overdose rates and deaths. In GYAC, I have had the privilege of learning from experts and sharing their insights on topics related to illegal drugs. In March, Brian O’Keefe from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gave an enlightening presentation on the harsh realities of fake pills, with a focus on the fentanyl crisis in New Hampshire. His talk made it clear just how widespread fentanyl has become and the serious risks it poses to people, especially those without prescriptions.

Listening to Keefe not only educated us about the dangers of substances but also inspired me to take action in my own community. It became clear that many young people are unaware of the life-threatening risks associated with counterfeit pills. This lack of awareness, combined with misinformation, makes them particularly vulnerable. As I observed the increasing number of tragic incidents while working on the council, I felt strongly motivated to step up and effect change. I wanted to create a solution that not only educates but also empowers individuals to make safer choices. A tool that could empower the youth to stay informed, make safer choices, and actively protect themselves and others from this growing threat.

I strongly believe that by creating a platform for teens to educate and empower them to recognize the dangers of fake pills and make safer choices we could make a significant impact in saving lives. The vision for the app became clear. Not only would it serve as a vital tool that empowers youth to stay informed and make better choices, but it also actively protects themselves and their peers from this growing threat. By providing real-time information from trusted sources, community support, and educational tools, my goal was to foster a culture of vigilance and safety. The app is my way of contributing to the fight against the opioid crisis and ensuring that everyone has the knowledge and tools to stay safe. My hope is that by creating this platform, we can help prevent the dangerous consequences of counterfeit pills and ultimately save lives.”