The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the opening of the 2026 Student Lyme Disease Prevention Art Competition.

Students in grades one through six across the Commonwealth are invited to submit a poster or short video around the theme “Protect. Check. Remove,” and a winner will be chosen from each category. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. on March 13, and more information can be found on the Department of Health’s website. 

Pennsylvania has one of the highest annual counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation, underscoring the importance of tick awareness and prevention across the Commonwealth.

The annual contest helps Pennsylvania’s students learn how to avoid Lyme disease by educating them about ticks, including where they live, how to prevent bites, and how to remove ticks that do bite.

Officials from the Departments of Health, Education, Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources encourage students to participate in the contest and help raise awareness about how Pennsylvanians can protect themselves from Lyme disease.

Finalists will be notified by email and will be invited to an award ceremony at the State Capitol in May. 

In 2025, 27 winners were recognized; the top 12 winners’ artwork was included in a 2026 calendar.

“I love this annual contest because it empowers Pennsylvania’s children to learn how to protect themselves from a health issue — and then share that knowledge with others in a creative way,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “I encourage educators across the Commonwealth to share this opportunity with your students. Their curiosity and creativity can make a real impact on how communities and families take informed steps to prevent Lyme disease.”

Ticks are usually found in shrubs, weeds, leaf litter, and tall grasses, but can be found anywhere there is grass.

“Taking steps to prevent tick exposure is key to enjoying the outdoors and the health and wellness benefits they provide — regardless of age,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Knowing how to keep yourself safe from ticks and Lyme disease is very important, and it’s inspiring to see young people taking an active role in raising awareness to help fight tick bites and prevent these illnesses,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “DEP monitors tick populations and the spread of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. Ticks carrying Lyme disease can be found in every county across Pennsylvania, so the more people who know about them the better.”

For more information on preventing Lyme disease, visit DOH’s website at Tickborne Diseases (pa.gov).