NewsLine staff
Florida Poison Control is calling on students across Nassau County, from kindergarten through 12th grade, to put their creativity to work for a cause that saves lives: poison prevention. Their creative efforts could lead to cash prizes and a trip to our Nation’s Capital.
Each year, the National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) Council hosts a Video and Poster Contest to help young people learn about poisoning risks and how to prevent them. The contest is held in conjunction with National Poison Prevention Week, which raises awareness about poison safety in homes, schools, and communities across the country.
Students from North Florida schools have a strong track record of success in this national competition, frequently earning top honors for their creativity, accuracy, and powerful prevention messages. Florida Poison Control hopes Nassau County students will continue that tradition in 2026.
Who Can Enter
The contest is open to K–12 students, with age-appropriate categories for posters and videos. Students may enter individually or as part of a school project, depending on the category and grade level.
What Students Create
Participants are asked to design either:
- A poster with a clear poison prevention message (K – 4Th Grade)
- A short video that educates viewers about poisoning risks and how to stay safe (5th – 12th Grade)
Topics can include medication safety, household chemicals, carbon monoxide, venomous animals, substance misuse, or any other poison prevention theme relevant to families and children.
Why Participate?
In addition to learning important safety lessons, students have the chance to win:
- National recognition
- Prizes
- And for some winners, a trip to Washington, D.C., where they are honored during National Poison Prevention Week
Beyond prizes, the contest helps students become advocates for safety sharing messages that can prevent injuries and save lives in their own homes and neighborhoods.
Important Deadline
The submission deadline is February 3, 2026, so now is the time for students, parents, teachers, and schools to get involved.
All contest rules, categories, submission guidelines, and entry forms are available online at:
👉 https://www.judgify.me/nppw-contest-2026
A Message from Florida Poison Control
“Poison prevention education is more impactful when it is done student to student,” said Mike McCormick, Florida Poison Information Center Jacksonville/USVI Media Relations Director/Education Coordinator. “This contest empowers students to use their voices and creativity to protect their families, classmates, and communities. We’re proud of how well North Florida students have done in past years and look forward to seeing Nassau County shine.”
Parents and educators are encouraged to share contest information with students and incorporate poison prevention into classroom discussions or art and media projects.
For questions about poison safety or help in an emergency, the Poison Help Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. Calls are free, confidential, and answered by local medical experts.
National Poison Prevention Week is a reminder that prevention starts with awareness and sometimes, with a poster, a video, and a great idea from a local student.
