East Stroudsburg University\u2019s Community Health Organization, a student club in the department of health studies, sponsored a contest to create a public service announcement (PSA) or a meme to encourage students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. They were joined in their efforts by the department of wellness education and prevention. Christina Brecht, instructor of health studies at ESU, is the faculty advisor for the Community Health Organization. \u201cWhile the arrival of the vaccine has brought so much hope for a return to pre-pandemic life, it was also increasingly apparent from national polling that many, including college age individuals, are not willing to be vaccinated for a variety of reasons,\u201d she said. \u201cIn public health we study the many factors that influence health behaviors. Individuals are more likely to attend to messages from people with whom they can identify. So \u2018students talking to students\u2019 was really the intent of the contest. Advice from government agencies or school officials were less likely to hit home with our students. When students see images of fellow students getting vaccinated it starts to shift social norms around vaccination,\u201d she said. \u201cWe also acknowledged that videos and memes on social media are appealing to our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two video PSAs and one meme were chosen as the winners.<\/p>\n
Alexandria Doty, a senior majoring in special and early childhood education from Rockaway, N.J., created a video PSA about the ESU Buddy Walk<\/a>, an event hosted by The Council for Exceptional Children(CEC) that advocates for individuals with\u00a0Down syndrome and includes a large parade. The event is typically held every October to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month.<\/p>\n \u201cAs\u00a0a leader of CEC I wanted to advocate for individuals with disabilities who cannot get the vaccine,\u201d Doty said. \u201cIt is so important that those of\u00a0us who can get the shot do so to help protect those who cannot. I chose to create the video about the Buddy Walk because it is one of my favorite events. It was heartbreaking last year when it was held as a drive by event, and we were unable to interact. We hope more people will get the vaccine so those who can\u2019t will be protected and we can return to an in-person buddy walk this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Samantha Kutza, a junior majoring in digital media technologies from Auburn, Pa., created a video about going to concerts again<\/a>. \u201cI entered this contest because I wanted to encourage my peers to trust science and get the vaccine. The sooner we all get our shots, the sooner our lives return to normal,\u201d Kutza said. \u201cI made a video about concerts because that was the one thing I missed the most during this pandemic. There is nothing like being surrounded by strangers that you share an emotional connection with through music. I can\u2019t wait to be in that environment again.\u201d<\/p>\n