Feeling inspired? The Annual Public Health Awareness Competition is open now in recognition of the 2026 National Public Health Week theme: “Ready. Set. Action.”

Ocean County students from all grades can participate for a chance to win prizes and special recognition from the Ocean County Board of Health!

The deadline is March 27, 2026. Artwork can be sent to [email protected] or to the Ocean County Health Department, 175 Sunset Avenue, PO Box 2191, Toms River, NJ 08754.

Multiple winners will be selected. Please put the student’s name, grade, and school on all artworks.

The 2026 topics are:

1st Grade-2nd Grade: Physical Activity or Dental Health

3rd Grade-5th Grade: Environmental Health or Communicable Disease

6th Grade-8th Grade: Emergency Preparedness and Planning or Substance Use Prevention

9th Grade-12th Grade: Youth Mental Health or Create an Empowered County

Attachments contain contest criteria and a promotional flyer for posting. These documents are also available at the health department website at oceancountyhealth.gov.

Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator, Daniel Regenye, explained that each year the competition gets bigger and better.

“This is one of our favorite events of the year, and the students do such a great job. It has become such a wonderful opportunity for students to learn many of the important public health topics that impact their communities while having some fun and expressing their creative side.”

“Everyone looks forward to seeing the students coming up with so many unique and great ideas, not only to showcase their artistic skills but to act as young public health ambassadors as well,” added, Jennifier Bacchione, Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director, and Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. We are anticipating more of the same in 2026 and cannot wait to see the results.”

[Press Release]