HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania health officials are turning to the Commonwealth’s youngest residents in the fight against Lyme disease, launching a statewide art and video contest designed to teach prevention while spreading awareness about one of the state’s most persistent public health threats.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the opening of the 2026 Student Lyme Disease Prevention Art Competition, inviting students in first through sixth grade to submit a poster or short video built around the theme “Protect. Check. Remove.” One winner will be selected in each category, with submissions accepted until 11:59 PM on March 13, 2026.
Pennsylvania consistently reports one of the highest numbers of Lyme disease cases in the nation, a reality officials say makes early education critical. The annual contest aims to teach children where ticks live, how to prevent bites, and what steps to take if a tick is found.
“Playing outside is an important part of a healthy childhood, but it’s important to know how to protect yourself from ticks,” Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said. She emphasized that understanding prevention, proper tick removal, and early warning signs of tickborne illnesses can help keep families safe.
The initiative is supported by multiple state agencies, including the Departments of Health, Education, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources, which jointly encouraged schools and families to participate.
Finalists will be notified by email and invited to an award ceremony at the State Capitol in May. In last year’s competition, 27 students were recognized, and artwork from the top 12 winners was featured in a 2026 calendar.
Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe said the contest gives students a chance to turn learning into action. She called it an opportunity for children to share health knowledge creatively and influence how families and communities think about Lyme disease prevention.
Ticks that carry Lyme disease have been identified in every county in Pennsylvania, according to state officials. They are commonly found in shrubs, tall grass, weeds, and leaf litter, but can be present anywhere grass grows.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said the contest reinforces safe outdoor habits while encouraging young people to take responsibility for their health. DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley added that increased awareness is essential as tick populations and tickborne diseases continue to spread statewide.
Health officials recommend wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing outdoors, using EPA-approved insect repellents, and treating clothing and gear with permethrin. After spending time outside, residents are urged to check themselves, children, and pets for ticks, shower promptly, and place worn clothes in a hot dryer to kill any remaining ticks.
More information about Lyme disease prevention and the student competition is available on the Department of Health’s website at http://www.health.pa.gov/ticks.
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