The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has announced the winners of its 2025 Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention artwork contest. The competition, open to students across the state, was held after participants learned about lead poisoning and its common sources.
A review committee made up of members from four different CDPHE programs selected the winning entries. Anna Nash, a fifth-grade student from Wellington, received first place. Laila Scaggs, a fourth grader from Highlands Ranch, took second place. Annali Cervantes, a kindergartener from Aurora, earned third place. Their artwork will be featured in educational materials for parents and healthcare providers throughout Colorado as well as on the department’s website.
“We were thrilled to develop the state’s first Lead Exposure Prevention Curriculum for grades K–5 and parents,” said Megan Snow, Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Manager. “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 learning and behavioral problems in children. The most reliable way to determine if a child has elevated levels of lead is through a blood test. The contest was designed to raise awareness among families about testing for lead exposure and identifying potential sources at home.
The Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works with families, healthcare professionals, and communities by providing education on lead testing. When a child’s blood test shows levels above the CDC reference value, the program conducts environmental investigations at home to identify where exposure may have occurred.
More information about childhood lead poisoning prevention efforts in Colorado can be found on the program’s website.
