Play Hard Live Clean (PHLC) is a campaign started by the Garrett County Drug-Free Communities Coalition based on research demonstrating that if a young person arrives at age 21 without smoking, abusing alcohol, or using drugs, they are virtually certain never to do so. PHLC encourages youth to make good choices by recognizing and rewarding them for certain positive lifestyle accomplishments from kindergarten through graduation.
PHLC for Elementary School
In the elementary schools in Garrett County, all students are invited to complete three challenges to earn either a gold, silver, or bronze medal. The challenges relate to physical activity, healthy eating and mindfulness. If students complete one of the challenges, they are awarded a bronze medal; 2 challenges earns a silver medal; and 3 challenges earns a gold medal. Every student who has participated annually is recognized with a certificate at fifth grade graduation.
PHLC for Middle School
All middle school students are invited to complete four challenges, each of which is designed to motivate students to practice selected healthy lifestyle behaviors with the longer-term goal of turning them into habits. The focus of the middle school challenges is on physical activity, fruits and vegetables, water, and kindness. The campaign is implemented as a competition for participation between classes and schools. PHLC shirts are awarded to the classroom with the highest participation per challenge per school. At the end of the school year, the middle school with the highest overall cumulative participation receives recognition.
PHLC for High School
The PHLC campaign at the high school is administered almost entirely online. High school students register and complete a pre-survey followed by monthly activities that participants earn points for completing. The monthly activities provide education and reinforcement about positive health choices. Prizes are awarded monthly to random students who complete activities. Scholarships are also awarded to a senior at each high school and selection is partially based on cumulative points.