January 7, 2016 -Springfield, Mass- The Hampden District Attorney’s Office launched a public service announcement (PSA) contest open to all Hampden County high school students, organizations, clubs and athletic teams to highlight the dangers of impaired driving.  The 30 – 60 second entry must be original, note the risks associated with drunk or drugged driving, and communicate messages about public safety.

The winning entry will receive a grant to improve technological equipment at their school, have the PSA aired on local television, and be honored at a special event hosted at the Basketball Hall of Fame in March. The deadline to submit entries is February 12, 2016.

Funding for the PSA Challenge comes from the Drunk Driving Trust Fund (DDTF) administered by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA).  DDFT funding is derived from fines and penalties imposed on offenders convicted of operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“I am grateful to MOVA for the grant funding that will allow our office to expand our outreach to high school students. The PSA contest will showcase students sharing an important message with their fellow classmates and the community at large,” said District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni.

“We are thrilled to support DA Gulluni’s PSA Challenge which is an innovative way to engage Hampden County youth in educating their peers about the dangers of drunk driving”, said Liam Lowney, MOVA’s Executive Director. “Public outreach and education is key to prevention – and targeting youth to share that message broadly is an effective way to combat this incredibly preventable and dangerous crime.”

To learn more about DDTF funding and other services it supports throughout the state, please call (617) 586-1340 or visit www.mass.gov/MOVA.  To learn more about the application process and contest rules please call the District Attorney’s Office at (413) 505-5671 or visit www.hampdenda.com.