Altus – For years, Big Tobacco crept into our communities taking our health, our money and our loved ones. They attract our young people to replace their customers that have died from smoking-caused illnesses. On World No Tobacco Day, May 31, concerned citizens from Jackson County, many of whom have seen family or friends suffer and die from the devastating effects of tobacco, are banding together to combat the influence of Big Tobacco in Oklahoma communities.

The World Health Organization designates World No Tobacco Day to focus attention each year on important issues about tobacco use and its health effects. In Jackson County, the support for creating tobacco free environments in communities around the state is growing. Many Oklahomans have lost loved ones to tobacco’s harmful effects and they are getting involved through the work of the Jackson County Community Health Action Team (JCCHAT) and the Jackson County Tobacco Education Committee (JCTEC) and in their personal and professional lives. By actively working together to eliminate Big Tobacco’s influence from the places where they live, work, and play, these individuals and coalitions are making healthier Oklahoma communities.

“In Jackson County, we see the difference our efforts are having among our children, in our communities and across Oklahoma,” said Veronica Damron, JCTEC chair. “The more of us that commit to joining this fight, the more we are able to be positive influences for the next generation from Jackson County. I encourage everyone who’s been touched by tobacco to get involved and make our communities healthier places to live.”

Individuals and families who want to help in this effort can:

* Make your home and car smoke-free

* Support tobacco-free schools, churches and parks

* Support tobacco-free businesses

* Tell your elected officials how you feel about Big Tobacco’s influence in your community

* Join Jackson County Tobacco Education Committee (JCTEC) and be part of a coordinated effort to make your community a healthier place to live

ABOUT THE JACKSON COUNTY TOBACCO EDUCATION

COMMITTEE (JCTEC)

JCTEC is a Communities of Excellence grantee of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust serving Jackson County and promoting smoke-free environments, tobacco cessation and tobacco prevention. For more information about JCTEC, contact Tonya Pogue, CX Coordinator, at 580.482.7308.

ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA TOBACCO SETTLEMENT

ENDOWMENT TRUST

The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) serves as a partner and bridge builder for organizations working towards shaping a healthier future for all Oklahomans. TSET provides leadership at the intersections of health by working with local coalitions and initiatives across the state, by cultivating innovative and life-changing research, and by working across public and private sectors to develop, support, implement and evaluate creative strategies to take advantage of emerging opportunities to improve the public’s health. TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health.