Breathe California’s 23rd Annual Breathe Youth Media Awards

Breathe California Sacramento Region, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the impact of lung disease, recently hosted the 23rd Annual Breathe Youth Media Awards to celebrate student filmmakers and student researchers for their accomplishments in fighting the glamorization of tobacco in the media.

For the second year in a row, CVS Health is honored to sponsor the special public service announcement (PSA) category at the Breathe Youth Media Awards. The recent PSA contest invited film submissions from middle and high school students and encouraged filmmakers to think about what it would mean to become the first tobacco-free generation. Eighteen students/teams were recognized with cash prizes in 4 different categories.

2017 PSA Submissions Delivered Powerful Messages

Last year, 11 submissions to the PSA category were considered for the top prizes. While each submission put students’ creativity on display and each made effective arguments in favor of tobacco prevention and cessation, only two submissions could earn top marks. These went to students from Rio Americano High School and McKee Middle School.

Together, We Can #BeTheFirst

In 2016, CVS Health announced #BeTheFirst, a campaign dedicated to the idea that individuals and organizations working together can deliver the first tobacco-free generation. As part of the campaign, CVS Health committed $50 million over five years, including $100,000 to Breathe California, to various tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives.

To learn more about our efforts to reduce youth smoking rates, visit our Be The First hub online.