Empowering Idaho's Youth to Choose a Substance-Free Life

Campaign Overview

Idaho Public Television's "Welcome to the Unaltered State" campaign is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders such as the Idaho Millennium Fund, public health districts, educational and juvenile correction departments, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and drug prevention experts. The aim is to address the dual challenges of the youth mental health crisis and the accessibility of illicit drugs.

Unlike traditional drug prevention campaigns that often rely on scare tactics and disturbing imagery, this campaign focuses on highlighting the advantages of a substance-free lifestyle, especially in the context of Idaho. It encourages youth to build stronger connections within their communities and make informed choices about their well-being.

Video Contest Details

The "Welcome to the Unaltered State" teen video contest is open to all Idahoans between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants are required to create a video that is no longer than 90 seconds and emphasizes the importance of not using substances in the first place. It is emphasized that participants should avoid using scare tactics in their submissions.

Individuals or teams can submit up to two videos each. The deadline for submitting entries is April 7, and the winners will be announced in May. Contestants can visit theunalteredstate.org for guidelines, rules, judging criteria, and entry forms. A total of $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, and the winning videos will be broadcast on IdahoPTV and shared across social media channels.

Impact and Significance

Since 2022, the KNOW VAPE teen video contest has received remarkable and innovative video concepts from teens across Idaho. By expanding the contest to cover all substances and including mental health aspects, Idaho teens are expected to provide valuable insights into how to communicate with youth about substance use. This campaign serves as a community call to action, aiming to create a substance-free future for the next generation.

Through this campaign, Idaho Public Television hopes to make a lasting impact on youth attitudes and behaviors, providing them with the tools and inspiration to lead healthy and substance-free lives. It is a proactive approach that recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of the problem and working together to build a safer and more resilient community.