Alabama Smoke-Free Youth Rally

why it's important:

This isn't just my job but it is something i truly believe in. I want to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use and exposure so they will be better informed and make better decisions. Addiction is hard, but can be overcome. This is important to us because approximately 7,500 Alabama residents die every year from tobacco-related illnesses. This is a startling number and almost a doubled number from my home state of Mississippi. Nearly a half a million people die in the United States every year from this problem. Smoking is the number one leading cause of death and disability in the country today. I grew up in our family business, a truck stop, with truck drivers blowing their cigarette smoke in my face. It was almost second nature to the customers and not frowned upon then. Boy, have times changed! That truck stop today is completely smoke-free. So, things can get better with the help and passion of other people.

the plan of action:

Since October, I have been going into the schools and teach tobacco education. I go to special events to speak to the public. I recently had Miss Alabama come to most of the local schools and do a tobacco presentation. I offer support and other services such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW. I put on events such as National Red Ribbon Week, Through with Chew, The Great American Smokeout, Kick Butts Day, and Worlds No Tobacco Day. I have put up a commercial recently and two billboards. I have gone onto the radio, television for interview, and had special guests and speakers come for events to draw in a crowd. I speak to groups of troubled teens, to court-ordered teens, to gifted kids, to adults. I am currently putting ads in our local newspaper. There is so much to be done and only one of me. I could use some help.

how you can get involved:

Definitely! Just call Jessica Breazeale at Family Links in McClellan, AL.

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