Students Create Winning Announcements on Substance Abuse Awareness

WILDWOOD – Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition, a community initiative of Cape Assist, partnered with Cape Regional Wellness Alliance for its annual Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest to raise awareness about substance abuse and mental health.
According to a release, a breakfast and awards event was held April 30 to honor the student winners and Cape Assist’s Partners in Prevention.
This year’s theme of the contest was raising awareness about healthy coping skills, resilience and prevention of drug abuse. “It’s one of my favorite projects we do with the coalition members,” stated Natalia Wilber, CMC Healthy Community Coalition coordinator, “it’s an opportunity for the students to express their voices and an opportunity for adults to learn more about our youth, what their concerns or needs are, what they hope for, what inspires them.”
Students were invited to create a written or video PSA on one of the following topics: “Dear Future Me..”, “Safer Isn’t Safe” (on vaping), “What I Wish My Parents Told Me about Drugs and Alcohol”, “Valuing Diversity”, and “My Healthy Coping Skills”. 
The winning students were from Middle Township Middle School, Middle Township High School, West Cape May Elementary, Dennis Township Middle School, Margaret Mace Elementary, Woodbine Elementary, Wildwood Middle School, Wildwood High School, Ocean City High School, Ocean City Intermediate, Cape May Technical High School, Richard Teitelman Middle School, Sandman Consolidated Elementary School, Lower Cape May Regional High School, Girl Scout Troop 48102, and Cub Scout Pack 65 Bear Den.
Partner in Prevention Awards were given to the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association for their continuing efforts in substance abuse prevention by addressing risk and protective factors for the youth and adults of Cape May County.
Assemblyman Bruce Land (D-1st), Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton, Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, and Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson presented the awards.
PSAs will be played on radio stations 98.7 The Coast, 106.3 The Shore, “The Locals” show on 101.5 FM, Facebook page and used in educational programs of Cape Assist.