Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:  Immediate Release                      Kill Date:  March 1, 2005

 Contact Person:  Ann Goldon            

 Phone: (810) 341-5898

 RE:  Genesee County Health Department (GCHD), the Smoke-Free, Multi-Agency, Resource Team (SMART) and Connexion Inc. Recognize the Atherton Community School District  

On February 28, 2005 at the Atherton School Board Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Atherton High School Media Center, the GCHD, SMART Coalition and Connexion Inc. will present the Atherton Community School Board with an award to recognize the start of their 100% smoke-free campus policy.  Atherton is one of the few districts in Genesee County which has adopted this policy.  The Atherton Community School District has made the health of their students and community members a priority. New Page 1  

Schools are in a uniquely powerful position to play a major role in reducing the serious problem of smoking and other tobacco use by youth.  Youth spend almost a third of their time in school and much of the peer pressure they feel regarding whether or not to smoke occurs at school.  Forbidding smoking by students, staff, and visitors on all school grounds and at all school-sponsored events sends a clear, consistent message that smoking is not acceptable.  For more information on implementing a smoke-free policy in your school or for technical assistance creating a 100% smoke-free policy, please contact Ann Goldon at (810) 341-5898.

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