The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has announced the winners of its 2025 Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention artwork contest. The competition invited students from across the state to submit artwork after learning about lead poisoning and typical sources of exposure.
A review committee made up of members from four department programs selected the winners. Anna Nash, a fifth-grade student from Wellington, took first place. Laila Scaggs, a fourth grader from Highlands Ranch, received second place, and Annali Cervantes, a kindergartener from Aurora, earned third place. Their artwork will be used in educational materials for parents and healthcare providers throughout Colorado and will also appear on the department’s website.
Megan Snow, Program Manager for the Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, said: “We were thrilled to develop the state’s first Lead Exposure Prevention Curriculum for grades K–5 and parents. Too much lead in the body can cause serious health effects, especially in children. We want to help parents and healthcare providers keep Colorado kids safe and healthy, and we’re grateful to the winners of our art contest who will help us spread the word about the dangers of lead.”
Lead exposure is known to harm brain development, slow growth, and contribute to behavioral or learning problems in children. Blood testing is considered the most reliable method for determining whether a child has been exposed to excessive lead levels. The purpose of this contest is to increase awareness among families about blood lead testing and educate them on possible sources of lead at home.
The Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program offers education on lead testing for families, medical professionals, and communities statewide. When a child’s blood test shows results above guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), program staff conduct environmental investigations at home to identify potential sources of exposure.
More information about childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts can be found through previous announcements from the department as well as resources available on their official website.
