Clarkson Regional Health Services Partners on Launch of Script Competition for Nebraska Students

Omaha, NE — Clarkson Regional Health Services (CRHS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to high-quality, low-cost healthcare throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa, is excited to announce a script competition focused on how smartphones shape the lives of young people today.

In partnership with The Glowmedia Project, the script competition is available exclusively to Nebraska middle and high school students (ages 13-19). One winning entry will be developed into a professionally produced short film.

“In our mission to make Nebraska the healthiest state in the country, the impacts of technology overuse and social media addiction on Nebraska’s youth cannot be overlooked and must instead be considered alongside ‘traditional’ determinants of health and wellness,” said Bill Lydiatt, MD, EMBA, CEO of Clarkson Regional Health Services. “We are truly excited to partner with Glowmedia on this script competition, which we hope will expand the conversation on youth mental health in Nebraska and contribute to an emerging toolkit for a new generation—critically, in their own voice.”

According to a Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) report, in 2023 more than a quarter of Nebraska high school students said they felt sad or hopeless almost every day for at least two weeks in the past year. At the same time, youth nationwide are spending more time on phones and social media than ever before, leading to increased anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and negative self-image. The script competition and resulting film will be a relevant, youth-centered tool to engage in conversations about the consequences of digital overuse and the restoring balance of stepping away.

“We are thrilled to partner with Clarkson Regional Health Services on this important film project. We applaud Dr. Lydiatt and his team for taking the initiative to promote the importance of youth mental health!” said Trish Glowacki, Founder and Executive Director of The Glowmedia Project.

The Glowmedia Project is a nonprofit that produces short films and educational resources focused on youth mental health. By blending narrative storytelling with classroom-ready materials, they help schools, communities, and families engage in authentic conversations around emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and identity. Glowmedia collaborates with mental health professionals, educators, and, importantly—the students themselves—to raise awareness of these challenges through a compelling narrative film but also by providing concrete, actionable solutions for schools, communities, and families.

The script competition is open now through September 30. Students can enter the competition at glowmedia.org/Nebraska.