KFF Health News Invites Haiku Submissions for Seventh Annual Halloween Contest

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, a unique opportunity arises for creative minds to engage with the often daunting world of healthcare. KFF Health News has officially opened submissions for its seventh annual Halloween haiku competition, inviting participants to channel their inner poet and share their eerie inspirations related to health care and policy.

A Spooky Tradition

This annual contest has become a beloved tradition for KFF Health News, which has been showcasing reader-submitted haikus for several years. The initiative not only encourages creativity but also serves as a platform for discussing serious topics in a light-hearted manner. The juxtaposition of Halloween’s spooky themes with the complexities of health care creates a unique space for reflection and humor.

Contest Details

Participants are encouraged to craft their best haikus, adhering to the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure. The poems should encapsulate themes of health care or health policy while maintaining a Halloween flair. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts from KFF Health News, ensuring that the winning entries are both creative and relevant.

Submission Guidelines

To participate, aspiring poets must submit their haikus through the KFF Health News website by the witching hour-11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 19. Each submission should include a link to a related KFF Health News article, adding an extra layer of engagement with the publication’s content.

In addition to the haiku, participants are encouraged to follow KFF Health News on various social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky, and Instagram. Including social media handles in submissions is optional but may lead to a shoutout for the winners.

Criteria for Winning

To be considered for the top prizes, haikus must meet specific criteria:

• Follow the traditional haiku format of 17 syllables divided into three lines (5-7-5).
• Relate to health care or health policy while embracing a spooky or Halloween theme.
• Reference a KFF Health News story, which adds depth and context to the submission.
• Importantly, the use of artificial intelligence in crafting or modifying haikus is strictly prohibited.

Prizes Await

The competition promises exciting rewards for the top three haikus. Winners will receive custom comic illustrations created by KFF Health News staff illustrator Oona Zenda, adding a visual element to their poetic achievements. The grand-prize winner will also have their haiku featured in the KFF Health News Morning Briefing on October 31, along with a social media shoutout using the hashtag #HealthCareScare.

The Importance of Creative Expression in Health Care

This contest not only highlights the intersection of creativity and health care but also serves as a reminder of the importance of communication in the field. Health care can often be a daunting subject, filled with jargon and complex policies that can alienate the average person. By encouraging creative expression, KFF Health News aims to make these topics more accessible and engaging.

Historically, poetry has been a powerful medium for expressing complex emotions and ideas. From the works of John Keats to contemporary poets, the art form has often tackled themes of mortality, health, and the human experience. By inviting haikus that reflect on health care, KFF Health News taps into this rich tradition, allowing participants to explore their feelings about a subject that affects everyone.

Engaging the Community

The Halloween haiku contest also fosters community engagement. By inviting submissions from readers, KFF Health News creates a dialogue around health care issues, encouraging individuals to think critically about their experiences and the policies that govern them. This participatory approach not only enriches the content but also empowers individuals to voice their concerns and insights.

In a time when health care is a hot-button issue, the ability to express thoughts and feelings through poetry can serve as a therapeutic outlet. It allows individuals to confront their fears and anxieties about health care in a creative and constructive way.

Conclusion

As the deadline for submissions approaches, KFF Health News encourages all interested participants to sharpen their quills and embrace the spirit of Halloween. This unique contest not only celebrates creativity but also serves as a reminder of the importance of health care in our lives. By blending the eerie with the essential, KFF Health News invites everyone to reflect on their health care experiences and share them in a fun and engaging way. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or a novice, this is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful conversation while having a little fun along the way.