City of Palmdale Announces Youth Multimedia Fentanyl Awareness Challenge

PALMDALE, CA — The City of Palmdale invites local elementary, middle and high school students to participate in the Fight Fentanyl AV Youth Multimedia Fentanyl Awareness Challenge, a contest encouraging young people to use their creativity and voices to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and help prevent overdoses. The challenge aligns with this year’s Red Ribbon Week theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero, Stay Drug Free.” Students are encouraged to develop creative, youth-focused messages that educate their peers about fentanyl and inspire healthy, drug-free choices.

Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, and entries will be accepted through Thursday, Oct. 15.

“Fentanyl continues to have a devastating impact on communities across the country, and education is one of the most important tools we have to protect young people,” said Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “This challenge gives students an opportunity to lead the conversation, use their creativity and help make a difference among their friends, classmates and throughout the Antelope Valley.”

Students may submit entries in four categories: video PSA, original song, artwork and poetry. Cash prizes will be awarded as follows: video PSA prizes are $400 for elementary school, $500 for middle school and $700 for high school. At the elementary, middle and high school levels, respectively, original song prizes are $300, $400 and $550; artwork prizes are $200, $300 and $450; and poetry prizes are $100, $200 and $300. Winning entries will be showcased on the City’s website, giving students an opportunity to share their work and fentanyl awareness messages with the broader community.

“Fentanyl awareness starts with making sure young people have the information and confidence to make safe choices,” said Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop. “By giving students a creative way to speak to their peers, this challenge helps turn education into action and empowers our youth to be part of the solution.”

The Youth Multimedia Fentanyl Awareness Challenge is presented in partnership with the Child & Family Center, Tarzana Treatment Center, Parents Anonymous, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Pueblo Y Salud and the City of Lancaster.

For contest information, rules and registration, visit www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/Fentanyl. For more information, call 661-267-5177 or email FightFentanylAV@cityofpalmdaleca.gov.