Hand it to the Minnesota Department of Health for a sense of humor; it has launched a teen video contest on the health risks of indoor tanning and will air winning video clips on the CW network during an episode of The Vampire Diaries.
"The show ... has a tie to the message, since vampires have pale skin and try to stay out of the sun," said Michelle Strangis, MDH cancer policy coordinator.
One entry by Scott Svare, 18, of Burnsville High School, has already been selected to air.
Seven others are still in the running for a $1,000 prize and a viewing on the CW on May 15. Public voting through May 7 will determine the second winner. Indoor tanning results in a 59 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, which is the second-most common cancer among Minnesota females ages 15 to 29.
