DHSS Press Release |
Date: February 12, 2003 DHSS-13-2003 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANTI-DRUG ESSAY CONTEST FOR DELAWAREANS AGE 13-25
Nationally Recognized Program Seeks Real-Life Stories for Use in Television Promotion
Delawareans ages 13-25 are invited to enter an anti-drug essay contest to vie for a chance to appear in a television commercial as well as their choice of prizes such as a mountain bike, computer equipment, music lessons, a shopping spree at a sporting goods store.
The essay contest is part of The Edge card program, an anti-drug program sponsored by Delaware Health and Social Services' Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and the 1st State Prevention Coalition. The deadline is March 8.
Entrants should write a 100- to 300-word essay about their "anti-drug" - such as sports, music, art, or any other activity they do instead of using drugs - and how that activity has enhanced their lives. Essays will be judged in three age categories: 13-14, 15-17 and 18-25. A panel of judges will select at least six finalists based on how the use of an anti-drug affected the entrant's life, the effectiveness of communication of thoughts and feelings, and originality. Finalists will choose a prize and be invited to meet with judges. Two or three of the finalists will be selected to be in television and radio commercials featuring their anti-drug stories. All finalists will be asked to sign a pledge that they are drug-free. Finalists will be notified in mid-March, and grand prize winners will be announced by the end of March.
Entries may be submitted via the website, www.edgecard.org, or by mail to The Anti-Drug Essay Contest, P.O. Box 672, Wilmington, DE 19899. An entry form MUST accompany your submission. To get an entry form, or to request an Edge card, visit the website or call Alexis Thompson at (302) 655-1552 to have a form and a complete list of rules mailed to you.
The Edge card, launched in 2001, offers discounts at participating stores and organizations as an incentive to encourage young people to find their anti-drug. More than 60,000 Edge cards have been distributed to Delaware's young people, and more than 75 merchants and organizations offer discounts through the program. The Office of National Drug Control Prevention has cited The Edge card as a national model of an innovative program.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
