Sponsored by the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of Health, the Step Up Vax Up Contest Aims Targets New Jersey Colleges and University Students
May 25, 2022 – The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health, today announced the winners of the Step Up Vax Up video and podcast contest. The contest challenged New Jersey college students to raise COVID-19 vaccine awareness and promote overall campus health and wellness.
Students enrolled in a New Jersey college or university participated in the contest by submitting digital content in the form of a video or podcast highlighting health equity and the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Cash prizes were awarded to the top-rated student submissions for first place, second place, and third place. Five honorable mentions were also awarded. Additionally, faculty and staff were encouraged to support student participation for a chance to receive a School Staff Champion prize.
First Place Winner: Rachael Cenicola, The College of New Jersey
Second Place Winner: Kiera Benson, Felician University
Third Place Winner: Estefania Dilone, Bloomfield College
Honorable Mention: Emily Guercia, Montclair State University
Honorable Mention: Ishva Mehta, Rutgers University
Honorable Mention: Michelle Nwafulume, Thomas Edison State University
“The Department of Health would like to thank all of the students who participated in the contest and highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Tina Tan, State Epidemiologist and Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health. “We were impressed with the way college students came together to increase health equity across their campus.”
“Congratulations to all the Step Up Vax Up contest finalists and winners,” Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, President and CEO, of the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey. “We look forward to showcasing these creative videos and podcasts at upcoming health events throughout New Jersey.”
The winning submissions can be viewed at www.stepupvaxup.com/winners. The contest will reopen in October 2022 and students are encouraged to stay connected via Instagram and Twitter.
About the Partnership
The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH). Its mission is to improve the health of women, children, and families. The Partnership has more than 20 years of experience mounting community-based, consumer-friendly and culturally competent educational programs to parents, caregivers, pregnant women and individuals of child-bearing age. For more information visit, http://partnershipmch.org.
To learn more about vaccinations, visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s website: http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements/.
