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RSSCDPH Launches New Campaign to Combat Secondhand Smoke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Quenjana Adams, quenjana.adams@cityofchicago.org
Chicago - In correlation with the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced the launch of its new tobacco prevention campaign titled “Secondhand Smoke Kid.”
The campaign includes radio and TV promotions, and ads on CTA trains and buses that raise awareness on the effects that secondhand smoke has on children. The advertisement is a localized version of a CDC national campaign to combat smoking and tobacco use.
“Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in Chicago and the United States," said Chicago Public Health Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D. "By collaborating with partner agencies and community organizations, the Chicago Department of Public Health works to reduce deaths and illnesses related to tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.”
Tobacco Use is one of the top health priorities outlined in Healthy Chicago, Chicago’s public health agenda that aims to make Chicago the healthiest city in the nation.
According to the Surgeon General, secondhand smoke exposure among children has declined over the past 15 years but children remain more heavily exposed to secondhand smoke than non-smoking adults. Children are exposed to this hazard in the places where they spend most of their time, including homes and vehicles.
Nearly 443,000 people die each year from tobacco-related illnesses, of which more than 50,000 people die each year from lung cancer and heart disease attributable to secondhand smoke exposure.
CDPH’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program works to reduce death and illness related to tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. Call 1-866-QUIT YES (784-8937) to speak with a trained smoking cessation counselor. The counselor will help you:
- Assess your needs.
- Customize a quit plan.
- Find free local resources.
- Help you keep track of your progress.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things a person can do to improve their health.
About the Great American Smokeout
The American Cancer Society is marking the 37th Great American Smokeout on November 15, 2012 by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting - even for one day - smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life - one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.
