Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids launched the “Don’t Get Burned” public service announcement contest for youth and young adults. Participants between the ages of 9 and 24 can create and upload a unique Instagram, Vine or 30-second video educating their peers about the dangers of smoking. The contest provides youth the opportunity to showcase their talents, join the fight against Big Tobacco and win cash and prizes totaling more than $5,000. Winning videos even have a chance to air on Chicago TV. For full contest rules and submission instructions visit www.DontGetBurnedChicago.com. Submissions are being accepted now until October 30.

Early this summer, Chicago launched Check The Stamps, providing $100 rewards to residents whose reports of illegal sales of cigarettes result in a conviction against the person selling cigarettes illegally. Smoking rates continue to decline across Chicago. In August, CDPH released a report showing youth and adult smoking rates in Chicago at all-time lows. In 2013, only 10.7 percent of Chicago high school students reported smoking, five points below the national average while only 17.7 percent of adults reported smoking, compared to 22.6 percent in 2011.