Run The Red mobile enablers and The New Zealand Drug Foundation, with support from the Vodafone Graduates, are launching a new free text-based drug information service for the txt generation: "Get the Msg".

Get the Msg is a text message information service that allows people to text drug names, including common street names, to DRUG (3784) and receive safety information and links to further information and help.

Director of Run The Red, Justin Boersma, said he and his team were delighted to be involved in the Get The Msg project.

“The mobile channel is perfect for this service, because we can communicate with youths in a compelling, cost effective, easy, and above all, discrete manner”.

“The Txt Drug Info channel also enables people using the service to get information back about the consequences of drugs in ‘real time’, which could make a huge difference to the choices people make”.

Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell said the service will provide a valuable tool in supporting efforts to reduce the harm caused by drugs in New Zealand.

"There are times when people need to know urgently about the possible effects of drugs if they or their friends feel unsafe or unwell – they don't have time to jot up about drugs on the internet or in a book.’Get the Msg' provides that info quickly.

"We're putting credible information into the hands of people who need it. It's not just about young partiers at 3am Sunday morning; it's also something that parents and others who work with young people will benefit from."

Mike Burns, the Vodafone Graduates Project Manager, also agrees with the value of this txt base service.

“This has been a great project to co-develop. It has been fantastic to see three organisations coming together to help the community. We look forward to watching it grow and develop at the hands of Vodafone customers.”

The Get the Msg service launches today for a four month free trial period on the Vodafone network. Get the Msg is planned to be available for other networks following this trial period.

All partners agree that this has been a fantastic project to get involved with, and all look forward to seeing more initiatives like this from organisations in the future.