MONTICELLO, NY — Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster counties will host the awards ceremony for the 29^th annual Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, and Drug Prevention Poster Contest on Friday, April 26, at 1 pm in the main lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center. Students, family, teachers and community members are invited to attend.

The contest celebrates the creative and artistic talent of Sullivan County students while promoting youth substance use prevention and education. This year’s contest theme is “Be the Life of the Party When Choosing to Be Alcohol, Tobacco, Gambling, and Drug Free!”

Awards will be presented in three grade categories: Elementary (grades 1-4), Middle School (grades 5-8), and High School (grades 9-12). A Grand Prize winner will be selected for both English and Spanish and the posters will be professionally printed and distributed throughout Sullivan County.

“The annual poster contest helps students express themselves through their artwork and creativity while exploring positive alternatives to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and gambling,” said L.A. Branch, Sullivan County Prevention Program Coordinator for Catholic Charities. “I am inspired by their talent and thoughtfulness in exploring such an important and impactful topic.”

Catholic Charities Prevention Services has offices in Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties and maintains a presence in many school districts. Last year, the program provided community outreach, education and training to more than 14,000 individuals, including lifesaving naloxone (Narcan) training and distribution of medication safety protection kits to avoid improper use of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

For more information about the poster contest or Prevention Services in Sullivan County, call L.A. Branch at 845/794-8080, ext. 2530 or email LA.Branch@cccsos.org.