New York State Department of Health Announces Winners of the Statewide Superbug Superheroes Art Contest for School-Aged Children

Nine Students to Receive Awards for Their Artistic Contributions to Public Health

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 28, 2020) - The New York State Department of Health today announced the winners of the Superbug Superheroes Art Contest for students in grade 3 through 5 to raise awareness about health concerns over growing antibiotic resistance.

"Teaching young New Yorkers about why and when antibiotics should be used helps in our fight against antibiotic resistance," said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. "I applaud all of the students for their creativity and thank them for helping us raise awareness of this global public health threat."

Antibiotic resistance happens when the antibiotics used to kill bacteria that cause illness lose their effectiveness because of overuse and misuse of the medications. Children in New York schools were encouraged to draw or graphically represent ways they and their families can become "Superbug Superheroes" who remain vigilant in promoting the best ways to use antibiotics. A narrative was provided to encourage children to get creative.

The intent of the Superbug Superheroes Art Contest was to encourage the next generation to get involved in "antibiotic stewardship," which means using antibiotics only when needed and listening to doctors when they determine that infections are viral, meaning antibiotics will not work. There is growing public health concern about antibiotic resistance, where bacteria that cause infections are changing to the point where antibiotics we have relied on for years may not be as effective as they were in the past.

A panel of judges chose three winners in each category to receive a prize/certificate and have their artwork displayed on the New York State Department of Health's public website.

2019 AR Art Contest Winners

Grade 3

  • First place - Cameron, Tarrytown, NY, attends Transfiguration School
  • Second place - Emma, Yonkers, NY, attends St. Barnabus Elementary
  • Third place - Maxwell, Tarrytown, NY, attends Transfiguration School

Grade 4

  • First place - Lyla, Rome, NY, attends Westmoreland Upper Elementary School
  • Second place - Addison, Franklinville, NY, attends Franklinville Elementary School
  • Third place - Lillyana, Barker, NY, attends Pratt Elementary School

Grade 5

  • First place - Colleen, Yonkers NY, attends St. Barnabus Elementary School
  • Second place - Angelo, Bronx, NY, attends St. Barnabus Elementary School
  • Third place - Miles, Nassau, NY, attends Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School

View the winning posters here.