Published on September 14, 2026
KINGSTON, NY - The Ulster County Department of Health is pleased to announce the launch of its first-ever Youth Vaping Prevention Video Contest, inviting teens ages 13-18 to create short videos that help adults better understand youth vaping and its risks. Funded through Ulster County’s Juul settlement, the contest puts young people in the driver’s seat to share what adults need to know — and often don’t — about vaping and its harmful health impacts. Videos must be 30 seconds or less and will be featured on the Ulster County Department of Health’s Instagram and Facebook pages. Three winning submissions will each receive a mountain bike, and all participants will receive a small reward for taking part. Entries are due November 13 and can be submitted here: https://ulstercountyny.gov/health/youth-vaping-prevention/video-contest “Youth vaping has become a rising public health issue in recent years, one that we’re ready to extinguish, and we know the most powerful messengers are young people themselves,” said Eve Walter, Ulster County Public Health Director. “This contest gives teens the chance to speak directly to the adults in their lives — to tell us what we’re missing, what we need to understand, and how we can better protect their health. We’re excited to hear their voices and to elevate their creativity as part of our Countywide effort to curb youth vaping.” Questions can be emailed to Jackie Saldana, Public Health Education Assistant, at jsal@ulstercountyny.gov. For more information, visit https://ulstercountyny.gov/health/youth-vaping-prevention