From SmokeFree Times newsletter, American Lung Association of Rhode Island, Fall 1996, pp. 6 & 8
RI Well Represented at National Tobacco Prevention Conference
Submitted by Cheryl Bayuk
Fourteen Rhode Islanders from various state and community affiliations attended the 1996 National Tobacco Prevention Conference in Chicago, Illinois, May 29-30. The purpose of the two day conference titled "Communities for Tobacco-Free Kids: Drawing the Line" was "to promote the adoption of a national strategy on tobacco prevention by providing a forum for the sharing of information and technology exchange among conference participants."
It was a wonderful opportunity for participants to witness first-hand the remarkable and successful tobacco prevention efforts occurring at the national, state and local levels. The keynote address was given by the Honorable Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of Health and Human Services. A strong voice and supporter of tobacco control and prevention, Secretary Shalala stressed the importance of building our coalitions, working together, and staying strong in the face of adversity. A pivotal time in history for the tobacco industry, they will go to great lengths to continue to push their products and keep tobacco unregulated, even lie under oath as the seven heads of the individual tobacco companies did when they declared that nicotine is not addictive. Secretary Shalala emphasized President Clinton's support for tobacco control and lauded the work of Dr. Kessler and the Food and Drug Administration.
Participants were also introduced in the opening session to a new organization established to focus the Nation's attention and action on reducing tobacco use among children. The National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids mandate is to change public policies and the social environment, limit tobacco companies' marketing and sales practices to children, and serve as a counterforce to the tobacco industry and its special interests.
The conference tracks included national issues, state and local issues, coalition building, advertising/ media, youth access, and multicultural issues. There were more than 650 participants and the conference was sponsored by nine national organizations, including the American Lung Association. The wealth of information shared, the networking, the showcase, and the individual workshops and sessions made this conference a valuable resource for all to benefit from.
Rhode Island participants included Robert J. Marshall, Jr., Ph.D., Assistant Director of Community Affairs, Rhode Island Department of Health; Ann Thatcher, Betty Harvey, Lodie Lambright, Carol Hall-Walker, Rhode Island Department of Health/Project ASSIST; Cheryl Bayuk, American Lung Association/ Rhode Island; Jerry Maldavir, American Cancer Society, Rhode Island Division; Donna Carlson, teacher, Ponaganset High School, Johnston; David Olsen, Director of Substance Abuse, City of Warwick; Cheri Hall, Director of Parks and Recreation, Harrisville; Sharon Hoffman, Coordinator, Tri-Town Task Force for Substance Abuse Prevention, East Greenwich; Julianne Barsoum, Pawtucket Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force; Ernest Marcure, Scituate Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force; Renee Lamontagne, North Kingstown Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force.
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Read other articles in Fall 1996 issue:
"Lung Association Receives ASSIST Grant for Tobacco Control Network"
"The MOB Rules at Chariho High School"
"Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco Makes Headlines in 1996"
"Smoking and Kids Don't Mix in North Kingstown"
"Speaking Out, Not Lighting Up" at LaSalle Academy
"Tobacco Control Network Needs You!"
"Tobacco Free Pharmacy Campaign Grows"
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WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
Don't forget to keep us posted.
The SmokeFree TIMES is published by the American Lung Association of Rhode Island at irregular intervals. The current double issue is funded by a grant from Project ASSIST through the R.I. Department of Health.
This newsletter is printed on 20% recycled paper, 20% postconsumer.
Call the Lung Association at (401) 421-6487. Fax to (401) 331-5266. Or E-Mail to alaofri@aol.com.
The Tobacco Control Network Needs You!
Change happens when people feel strongly enough about an issue and demand that their voices be heard.
The Tobacco Control Network, funded by Project ASSIST, has come together to address the growing health problems that tobacco is causing. The American Lung Association of Rhode Island is leading this Network and calling on people from business, organizations and the community who want to make a difference in Rhode Island.
Issues the Tobacco Control Network will need your support on include tobacco use, smoking cessation, environmental tobacco smoke, and tobacco control. Special emphasis will be placed on these issues when it relates to protecting children from using tobacco and breathing in secondhand smoke. For example, the Network will support efforts to educate local convenience stores and pharmacies to not sell tobacco products to children, remove smoking at recreation and youth sports ceremonies, banquets, and events where children and youth are present, and check vending machines to make sure locking devices are being used.
The ALARI will provide the information and the education to the network and will link with other advocacy groups at the state and local levels. All interested persons are invited to join the tobacco control network. Active recruitment will target service organizations, voluntary associations, health care networks, work places, religious organizations, and youth organizations at the state level. Local community groups, schools, and concerned citizens will also be targeted.
Call Molly Clark, Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Network, at the ALA/RI, 401-421-6487 for more information.