Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:  Immediate Release             Kill Date:  May 30, 2008

Contact Person:  Ann Goldon                      Phone:  (810) 341-5898

RE:  Local Teens Promote “World No Tobacco Day”

In honor of “World No Tobacco Day”, Genesee High School students will be educating the school regarding the impact of tobacco use.  On May 20, 2008, the youth will conduct a school-wide campaign centered around the number “1200” which is how many people die every day in the US from tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

“Through this campaign we hope to raise awareness of the devastating toll tobacco has on our nation” stated Genesee Teens Against Tobacco Use student Becca Etson.

The students’ activities are part of their “Fight the Light, Fight for Life -Stop Tobacco Use” campaign funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan at 27 high schools across Michigan during the current school year. 

Observance of World No Tobacco Day is promoted annually by the World Health Organization.  According to WHO, "Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. It is the only consumer product that kills when used as intended by its manufacturers. Tobacco kills up to 50 percent of its regular users. Adolescent experimentation with this highly addictive product, aggressively pushed by the tobacco industry, can easily lead to a lifetime of tobacco dependence."

“World No Tobacco Day” is Saturday, May 31, 2008, individuals interested in quitting are encouraged to contact the Michigan Quit Line at 1-800-480-7848.

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