The Turn ND Blue Photo Contest is held each year during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March to raise awareness about colorectal cancer across North Dakota. Colorectal cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the number one cancer killer among people under age 50. Because of this, it is absolutely critical that individuals understand and utilize available screening tools, which can help prevent cancer or detect it early when it is most treatable. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped spread this important message.
This year’s contest was sponsored by Exact Sciences, now Abbott. Winners in each category were recognized with a canvas print of their photo at the North Dakota Cancer Coalition Annual Meeting, held April 29 in Fargo. A total of eighteen (18) entries were submitted across three categories. All submitted photos can be viewed online at: Turn-ND-Blue.
Each entry was evaluated by a panel of five judges, with scores combined to determine the winners. We extend our sincere appreciation to Jill Ireland, Jennifer Donais, Marcie Schulz, Jonathan Stutzman, and Patricia Monson for serving as judges this year.
2026 Contest Winners:
- Hospital Category: Unity Medical Center
Slogan: “Check Your Caboose! Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer!” - Ambulatory Care Settings: Heart of America Medical Center (second consecutive year)
Slogan: “The Colorectal Cancer Awareness School Bus”
(Notably, this was the first year AI was used to help generate a photo.) - Non-Medical Worksites: Community Healthcare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD)
Slogan: “Forget 6–7, Remember 4–5!”
For the second year, a People’s Choice Award was also presented, based on public voting through the contest website. This award has quickly become one of the most impactful elements of the contest, as it encourages participants to engage their communities and amplify colorectal cancer awareness through social media and other outreach efforts.
With an impressive 10,247 votes, the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner is Unity Medical Center for their entry, “Check Your Caboose!” In recognition of this achievement, and in honor of the entire team effort behind the photo, magnets will be provided to each of the 10 participants featured, rather than awarding a second canvas.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s contest once again demonstrates the power of creativity and community engagement in promoting life-saving health messages. By participating, sharing, and voting, individuals and organizations across North Dakota are helping to normalize conversations about colorectal cancer and encourage early screening. Together, we are making strides toward reducing the impact of this disease and saving lives. Thank you for being part of this important effort—we look forward to building even greater awareness in the years to come.