Idaho Public Television Launches Substance Awareness Video Contest

To change attitudes and behaviors about substance use among young people, Idaho Public Television’s new awareness campaign “Welcome to the Unaltered State” invites 12- to 18-year-olds from Idaho to enter a video contest for a chance to be a part including winning $10,000 in cash prizes.

“We are excited to transform our KNOW VAPE Teen Video Contest into the Welcome to the Unaltered State Contest so kids can produce content about all dangerous and illegal substances, not just e-cigarettes,” said Austin Henderson, public communications specialist Television in Idaho, November 18 press release.

“Since 2022, we have received truly compelling, creative and never-before-seen video concepts from teenagers across Idaho for the KNOW VAPE competition,” said Henderson. When it comes to health, I have no doubt that Idaho teenagers will help us too understand how we talk to young people about substance use.”

“Welcome to the Unaltered State” is a youth drug use awareness campaign produced by Idaho Public Television in collaboration with the Idaho Millennium Fund, Idaho public health districts, Idaho departments of education and juvenile corrections, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations , drug prevention experts and others.

“Welcome to the Unaltered State is an invitation to consider the benefits of a substance-free lifestyle,” “Welcome to the Unaltered State” executive producer Jennie Sue Weltner said in the press release. “It is also a call to the community to fight for a drug-free future for our children.”

Two factors contribute to a dangerous situation for children in Idaho: a youth mental health crisis and readily available illegal drugs. To address these underlying issues, the campaign takes an unprecedented approach to a drug prevention campaign.

“Rather than perpetuating fear-mongering and traumatizing images of drug use, the campaign showcases the benefits of living drug-free, especially in a place like Idaho, and building better connections within our communities,” Henderson said.

The “Welcome to the Unaltered State” Teen Video Contest is open to all Idahoans ages 12 to 18. Creators are asked to produce a video that is no longer than 90 seconds and discourages teens from using substances in the first place. The organizers ask participants to refrain from fear-mongering in their submissions. Up to two videos can be submitted by an individual or team.

The deadline for entries for the competition is April 7th. The winners will be announced in May. Visit theunalteredstate.org for guidelines, rules, judging criteria and entry forms.

The winners will receive a total of $10,000 in cash prizes. Winning videos will air on IdahoPTV and be shared across social media channels.