Instead of questioning a room full of adults on how to get kids’ and teens’ attention, Florida KidCare is going straight to the source by asking students in grades four through 12 for their ideas to help promote Florida KidCare, the state’s health insurance program for children under 19.
The Florida KidCare Act-Out for Health Contest [ActOut4Health.org] encourages students across the state to produce a 30-second video public service announcement (PSA), design a billboard advertisement, or write an essay describing the importance of eating well and living well. The entry deadline is Friday, Jan. 6, 2012.
“Giving students a voice on an issue they are hearing about on the news and from their parents is important,” said Rich Robleto, executive director of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, a Florida KidCare partner. “The Act-Out for Health Contest is a forum for kids to learn about health insurance and the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while providing a creative outlet for them to express their ideas and perspectives.”
Act-Out for Health was launched in 2008, after a study by the University of Florida’s Institute for Child Health Policy revealed the highest percentage of uninsured children in the state are kids 12 to 18 years old. The contest provides students and teachers an overview of the Florida KidCare program, as well as lesson plans, creative briefs and an online build-your-own billboard tool to help students create custom ads. The contest continues to grow each year, drawing more than 750 billboard and commercial PSA entries in previous years from middle and high school students throughout the state. New this year is the essay component and the acceptance of entries from fourth and fifth graders.
Contest entries will be reviewed by a panel of Florida KidCare judges on originality and ability to promote Florida KidCare benefits along with the message of health and wellness. Grand prize winners from each category will receive a scholarship prize, their school will be awarded a cash prize, and their winning entry will be featured as a part of future Florida KidCare promotional campaigns.
Florida KidCare is available to Florida children without health insurance. Children enrolled in the program receive preventive care, such as regular doctor’s visits, immunizations, dental and eye care, at a price their families can afford. Many families pay $20 or less per month; most pay nothing at all. A full-pay option is also available for families who may not be eligible for subsidized coverage.
Contact: Alyssa Watts, (850) 681-3200, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For questions about the Act-Out for Health contest, please contact Monica Johnson, special projects and communications coordinator for the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (850) 701-6142.
