Heatstroke Prevention
Social Media Contest

Design a social media post that grabs parents' and caregivers’ attention and helps prevent this needless tragedy. Submissions accepted March 1 – April 15, 2026.

 Submit Your Entry
More than 1,000 children have died in hot cars due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke (PVH) since 1998, all of which were preventable*. Your creative message could save a child’s life! Design a social media post that grabs parents’ and caregivers’ attention and helps prevent this needless tragedy.

*Source: NoHeatStroke.org

Presented By

Who Can Enter?

  • Postgraduate students in a medical school, nursing school, or school of public health program
  • Medical residents and fellows
  • Pediatric and ED nurses
  • Open to U.S. residents only
  • Both individuals and groups are eligible to enter

What to Submit

We will accept all materials suitable for distribution across social media platforms, e.g., spoken word, videos, and graphics.

Submission Requirements

  • MP4, PDF, or high-resolution JPEG/PNG files (maximum 30 MB)
  • For videos: maximum video length is 60 seconds. Video submissions cannot be done in moving vehicles
  • Multiple modalities and languages are encouraged. Please include English subtitles as necessary
  • Original ideas and work only. The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited, as is the use of copyrighted images, branding, or logos
  • Due to privacy concerns, photos/videos of minors are not permitted
  • No inaccurate or inappropriate submissions will be accepted

Only those that meet the submission criteria will be judged.

Prizes

The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) will award up to 3 prizes totaling $5,000.

1st Prize
$2,500
2nd Prize
$1,500
3rd Prize
$1,000

How Winners Are Determined

An expert panel will review all entries for eligibility and quality using the contest judging criteria.

  1. Each submission receives an initial review from NRSF and Injury Free
  2. If either reviewer identifies issues, feedback is sent so entrants can submit a replacement before the deadline
  3. Entries approved by both reviewers receive a final panel check after submissions close
  4. Accepted entries are posted to the IFCK website for public voting
  5. Prizes are awarded to entries with the largest number of votes

Timeline

Submissions Open
March 1, 2026
Submission Deadline
April 15, 2026
Final Panel Review + Acceptance Notices
After submission close
Public Voting
April 26, 2026 – May 9, 2026
Winners Announced
On or about May 15, 2026

Judging, Rules, and Agreement

An expert panel will be convened to review all entries on the following criteria:

  • Effectiveness of message: Is the message concrete, specific, and clear? Is it appropriate for the target audience of new or expectant parents and caregivers?
  • Execution of idea: Is the post neat, easy to follow, and free of errors? Is it visually appealing?
  • Concept/creativity: Does the post capture audience interest? Would it influence emotional response and inspire them to take action?

Entries approved by both initial reviewers and then accepted by the final panel will be posted on the IFCK website for public voting.

Important Dates

  • Submissions will be accepted from March 1, 2026 through April 15, 2026.
  • Entries approved by the panel will be available for public voting at this site for a two-week period beginning April 26, 2026 and ending May 9, 2026.
  • Winning entries will be selected by IFCK and NRSF and announced on or about May 15, 2026 to coincide with National Trauma Awareness Month.

Additional Rules

  • One active entry per individual or group is permitted. If an entry is not accepted during initial review, a replacement may be submitted before the deadline.
  • No purchase is necessary to win.
  • Entrants agree that submitting an entry to the Contest grants the Injury Free Coalition for Kids (IFCK) and National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to distribute, publish, and/or otherwise use the entrant’s submission in any manner required to promote or otherwise operate the Contest or any other usage reasonably needed by such entities.
  • By submitting responses to the contest, entrants agree to the following: “I am submitting an original entry to the Contest. I certify that my entry is my own work and that I have abided by all guidelines and requirements of the Contest. I understand that my entry will become the property of IFCK and NRSF and may be used at their discretion for publicizing the contest and/or other activities. I further understand that judges’ decisions are final.”
  • If the event is canceled, or modified for any reason, including but not limited to unforeseen health issues, public health emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the organizers, or if a winning entrant is unable to participate or found ineligible for any reason, the award(s) will be forfeited.

Applicants must agree that their submission:

  • Is their own original creation
  • Does not infringe on any other person’s or entity’s rights, including music, graphic design, etc.
  • Was not created or filmed while violating any local, state, or federal laws
  • Does not include photos/videos of minors

Ready to Make a Difference?

Your creative message could save a child’s life.

 Submit Your Entry

Resources

For More Information

If you have any questions or comments, please email info@injuryfree.org.

This contest is presented by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids (IFCK) and the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF).