View a PDF of this message The University System of Maryland (USM) COVID Research & Innovation Task Force invites members of the USM community to take part in a multimedia Public Health Challenge by submitting original videos and social media campaigns that highlight ways for Marylanders to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. SHARE YOUR PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGE IN AN ORIGINAL VIDEO OR SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN Recent news about the approval of a COVID-19 vaccine offers great hope for overcoming the coronavirus pandemic. However, until a vaccine is widely available to the public, it is critical that people avoid “pandemic fatigue” and recommit themselves to sound public health practices. The USM COVID Research & Innovation Task Force has launched the Public Health Challenge to seek out engaging and effective public health messaging that promotes continued vigilance and compliance with public health guidelines, while also encouraging people to get vaccinated once they are able to do so. For this competition, the Task Force invites participants to create and submit entries in the following categories: Live action or animated videos up to one minute in length. A designed non-video social messaging campaign of at least three original digital images All entries should include at least three CDC-approved strategies for combating COVID-19 and incorporate messaging from the State of Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Entries must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on January 25, 2021. Winners will be announced February 8, 2021.  THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO THE ENTIRE USM COMMUNITY Undergraduate and graduate students attending a USM institution Faculty and staff of USM institutions Alumni of USM institutions The contest is open to individuals or teams with any combination of USM students, faculty, staff, and alumni $18,000 IN CASH PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED! The top three entries in both categories will receive a $3,000 prize. In addition, winning submissions may be used by the sponsoring organizations, the partners, or the USM in a future public heath campaign.  Prizes will be awarded to the submissions that most effectively: Highlight the safety and efficacy of vaccines and the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for members of underrepresented communities; Convey the importance of following public health guidelines, including limiting exposure, face covering, physical distancing, sound hygiene, self-monitoring, and other strategies; Address the issue of “pandemic fatigue” in a creative, compelling, or humorous way; and Reach out to Marylanders, particularly young people and students. To enter the contest or learn more eligibility and rules, click the button below! CLICK TO ENTER & LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE Baltimore Metropolitan Council BioHealth Innovation Connected DMV Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore Maryland Marketing Partnership Maryland Technology Council  The USM Foundation If interested, please contact: Prof. Cozart (mcozar1@umbc.edu) Prof. Birger (cbirge1@umbc.edu University System of Maryland COVID Research & Innovation Task Force | Web: www.usmd.edu/covid-taskforce Email: covidsolutions@usmd.edu  ‌  ‌