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WOMEN’S
COUNCIL TOBACCO COALITION ROLLS UP ITS SLEEVES TO SAVE LIVES!
The Women’s
Council Tobacco Coalition has worked cohesively with its partners
over the past three months to provide tobacco prevention education
and outreach in Pulaski, Lonoke, Faulkner, Prairie, and Saline Counties.
Whether traveling through rural Pulaski County, or making presentations
on college campuses (UCA, UAPB and Philander Smith College) or conducting
compliance checks in Des Arc, Carlisle and England, or speaking
to small and large groups of students in areas schools, the Coalition’s
work is just beginning!
The Women’s Council Coalition initiated a Back-to-School Drive
in August and provided 10 area schools (75 students) with 100% of
their schools supplies, including backpacks promoting healthier
lives by stamping out smoking. Women’s Council Coalition and
staff conducted more than 200 compliance checks to date and found
90% of retailers in full compliance. 10% were found with excessive
tobacco signage or less than adequate signage regarding the age
of purchase. The Coalition has made over 25 presentations to schools,
churches, civic and community organizations and Chambers of commerce.
The Coalition has disseminated more than 4,000 promotional and educational
materials over the past 5 months to encourage youths and adults
to quit smoking, to not start smoking, and to reduce second hand
smoke. The Coalition has referred 6 clients to the 1-800-NOW-QUIT
and 1-800-ACS-2345 for cessation and has worked with one client
who has been smoke-free for two months. These activities are replicated
by numerous tobacco coalitions throughout the state.
Women’s Council Tobacco Coalition and staff continue to work
through our grantors, the Arkansas Department of Health and the
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to ensure that all residents
may have healthier homes, workplaces, playgrounds, and churches.
If you would like to hear more about our services and join our efforts,
please contact us at 375-HEAL (4325).
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