Surge in nitrous oxide abuse raises alarming health concerns in Michigan

Theme:

The Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center (MiPDC) is excited to host a Michigan-only poster and video contest in celebration of National Poison Prevention Week 2026. This contest gives Michigan students a second chance to win, in addition to the national competition hosted by America’s Poison Centers.

Your creativity can help spread the word about poison-related dangers and how to stay safe — and your message may even save a life!

“When the Unexpected Happens, Poison Help is here for you.”

Who can enter?

Grades K–4
Create and submit a poster

Grades 5–12
Create and submit a video

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in both age groups.

Winners will receive special MiPDC-branded prizes (details coming soon!)
All entries will be featured in our online public gallery
No personal identifying information will be shared in the gallery

Winner Announcements

Winners will be:

Announced on MiPDC’s social media pages
Contacted directly using the information provided during submission

Deadline

All entries must be submitted by: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. EST

What Is the Goal of the MiPDC Second-Chance Contest?

This contest encourages Michigan students to:

Build their understanding of poison prevention and everyday safety
Create messages by kids and teens, for kids and teens
Produce posters or videos they would proudly share with classmates and friends
Help educate the public about poison risks and how to stay safe
Raise awareness of the free Poison Help line: 1-800-222-1222
- All entries must include the Poison Help phone number or logo to qualify

Your creativity has real impact — a single poster or video can protect families and save lives.

Need Some Inspiration?

Past Winning Videos:
2025 Winners | 2024 Winners

Interactive Virtual Escape Room
PoisonHelp.org — learn about poison risks, safety tips, prevention, and trends
Up and Away Medication Safety Program Resources

Use these for inspiration only — all entries must be original and should not recreate past winning content.

Explore these helpful resources from America’s Poison Centers:

Judging Criteria

All entries will be reviewed by staff at the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center (MiPDC). Each contest has its own judging criteria, outlined below.

Poster Contest (Grades K–4)

How Posters Will Be Judged

Reviewed by MiPDC staff using four key criteria:

Required Elements

Poison Help line: 1-800-222-1222
National Poison Prevention Week dates: March 15–21, 2026

Creativity & Originality

Judges will look at:

Original artwork created by the student
Unique and age-appropriate presentation of poison safety messaging
Creative use of visuals, color, and ideas

Clarity & Accuracy

Entries should show:

A clear, easy-to-understand safety message
Accurate poison prevention information
Messaging that is appropriate for young audiences

Overall Theme & Impact

Judges will consider:

How well the poster communicates a strong poison prevention theme
Whether the safety message is memorable and useful
Inclusion of safety tips or helpful prevention reminders

Video Contest (Grades 5–12)

How Videos Will Be Judged

Reviewed by MiPDC staff using similar but age-appropriate criteria:

Required Elements

Poison Help line: 1-800-222-1222
National Poison Prevention Week dates: March 15–21, 2026
Inclusion of the Poison Help logo

Creativity & Originality

Judges will consider:

Creativity of the script, message, and visuals
Original storytelling or concept
Engaging, age-appropriate presentation

Clarity & Accuracy

Videos should demonstrate::

A clear, correct poison prevention message
Information that is understandable for kids and teens
Accurate safety details relevant to poisoning risks

Overall Theme & Impact

Judges will evaluate:

Strength and relevance of the poison prevention theme
Effectiveness of the message for educating others
Overall clarity, pacing, and impact of the final video

*All video contestants must also submit a media release form.