From SmokeFree Times newsletter, American Lung Association of Rhode Island, Fall 1996, p. 6
Lung Association Receives ASSIST Grant for Tobacco Control Network
The American Lung Association of Rhode Island (ALARI) has been awarded a grant from the Rhode Island Department of Health/Project ASSIST to coordinate a statewide tobacco control network. The first grant period was from May to September, 1996, and has been extended into 1997. Cheryl Bayuk was the first Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Network, and after she moved on to a Task Force was replaced in July by Molly Clark, veteran staff member of ALARI.
The ALARI has been a leader in tobacco control since before the first Surgeon General's report on the harm of tobacco in 1964. Antismoking, smoking cessation, and tobacco control have been major educational and policy programs of ALARI. The grant will allow ALARI to focus its efforts on building a statewide network of people that will be trained as tobacco control advocates and will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to make community change.
ALARI's experience in the area of tobacco control has deepened its understanding of the need for an educated and active community voice in order to effect real changes in knowledge and understanding of the issues and public policy regarding tobacco control.
Over 70 Tobacco Control Advocates Trained So Far
One of the objectives required in the ASSIST grant is to conduct tobacco control advocacy trainings. All persons who join the Tobacco Control Network can participate in the free 3-1/2 hour training that consists of learning about the tobacco industry, who the industry is targeting in ads and promotions, and how tobacco use affects Rhode Islanders financially and personally. Participants also learn how to increase awareness about tobacco control, gain community support, and work to change tobacco policies to protect friends and family from the dangers of tobacco. Four trainings on June 26, July 23, September 18, and September 19 reached a total of more than 70 adult and youth advocates. Contact Molly Clark at 401-421-6487 information about future trainings.
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Read other articles in Fall 1996 issue:
"The MOB Rules at Chariho High School"
"Reducing Youth Access to Tobacco Makes Headlines in 1996"
"Rhode Island Well-Represented at National Tobacco Control Conference"
"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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