Grant supports tobacco prevention

Tobacco goes on trial in program at 38 school districts SCRANTON — Schools are in a particularly powerful position to prevent kids from smoking and to help those that already use tobacco to quit. Children spend almost a third of their waking time in school, and much of the peer pressure kids feel regarding whether or not to smoke occurs in school. Thanks to a recent grant of $10,000 from The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the American Lung Association (ALA) will partner with 38 school districts in nine counties to offer the “Tobacco on Trial” School-Based Prevention Program. No less than 7,500 students in grades 5 through 12 will be reached. “Our program is designed to educate young people on the dangers of tobacco use, and encourage them to participate in or start anti-tobacco initiatives with others,” said Anthony Delonti, program specialist, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania - Scranton Office. “We thank The Blue Ribbon Foundation for their generous support of our efforts to help prepare students for a lifetime of healthy living.” “Quitting smoking is the single best lifestyle change a person can make to improve both their own health and the health of those around them,” said Cynthia A. Yevich, executive director of The Blue Ribbon Foundation. “We want to do all we can to prevent youngsters from facing serious health conditions later on in life.” The one and a half hour program engages students as the jury in a mock trial that presents evidence about the hazards of tobacco use, its health effects, and how youth are being targeted as consumers. The ALA will schedule at least 40 “Tobacco on Trial” program dates, with up to five programs being presented each day, for 30 schools in the coming year.