Sixty Youth Vie for Top Honors at Truth Extreme Games (Salt Lake City, UT)- June 26, 2003

St. George Youth Invited to a TRUTH Against Tobacco Celebration (Salt Lake City, UT)- June 9, 2003

Twenty-Nine Utah Youth Receive Awards for Entries in TRUTH Awards Ceremony (Salt Lake City, UT)- May 21, 2003

"World No Tobacco Day" Calls Attention to Excessive Tobacco Use in Film and Fashion (Salt Lake City, UT)- May 20, 2003

Utah Youth Invited to TRUTH Awards Ceremony and Party, May 21st at The Gateway (Salt Lake City, UT)- May 14, 2003

Utah Department of Health Launches Tobacco Education Campaign for Native Americans (Salt Lake City- UT)- April 30, 2003

UDOH is Inviting All Former Smokers to Take Part in the First "I Did It!" Anti-Tobacco Walk (Salt Lake City, UT)- March 14, 2003

Utahns Say "Truth" Campaign is Making a Difference (Salt Lake City, UT)- February 19, 2003

Utah Department of Health Launches New Second Hand Smoke Campaign–"Some Things  Aren’t Meant to be Shared"(Salt Lake City,UT)-January 30, 2003

Cartoon Vultures Teach Utah Kids That"Smoking is a Dangerous Road" (Salt Lake City, UT), Dec. 23, 2002

Utah's Youth Can Become "Defenders of Truth" by Entering Anti-Tobacco Advertising
Contest (Salt Lake City, UT)- November 4, 2002

UDOH to Launch New Truth About Tobacco "I Did It!" Media Campaign To Focus on Utahns Who Have Successfully Quit Smoking  (Salt Lake City, UT)-October 1, 2002

June-27-2003 to Current
January 5, 2001 to September 17, 2002

6-26-03

Contact:
Katherine Wayment
Tobacco Control Program
(801) 538-6338

Sixty Youth Vie for Top Honors at Truth Extreme Games (Salt Lake City, UT) – As part of their efforts to continue encouraging Utah's youth to stay tobacco free, the Utah Department of Health’s Truth Campaign and the Phoenix Alliance are teaming up with Clear Channel to sponsor the Truth Extreme Games, where hundreds of youth contend in a series of challenging competitions. This Saturday, June 28, more than 60 youth 18 and under will compete in the Truth Extreme Games Finals, at Lone Peak Skate Park, 10145 South 700 East, Sandy. The event includes BMX finals at 10 a.m., in-line skating at noon, and skateboarding at 2 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the free event.

According to Phoenix Alliance member, 19 year-old Jon Speroni, "The Phoenix Alliance, Utah's Anti-tobacco Revolution, is a group of Utah teens fighting the tobacco industry because they don't want to be manipulated anymore. The truth about tobacco is that most teens who smoke want to quit and wish they'd never started. Besides, most teens won't date someone who smokes."

"The Truth Extreme Games are exciting and informative events for Utah youth," says Marci Nelson, Utah Department of Health’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. "Our Phoenix Alliance youth are educating their peers about the dangers of using tobacco, and we are providing events that emphasize living a healthy lifestyle."

Nelson says recent studies show thrill and sensation seeking personality types in adolescents lead to higher levels of tobacco dependence. Sponsoring exciting events for youth enables the Phoenix Alliance to expose at-risk youth to tobacco prevention messages. More than 300 youth and adults have attended the four previous competitions.

On Saturday, 94.9 ZHT and Channel 105.7 radio stations will provide live coverage of the games and the Phoenix Alliance will give away prizes to the public.

For more information visit www.utahphoenixalliance.org
or call Katie Wayment at 801-538-6338.

6-09-2003

Contact:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Control Program
(801) 538-6917

St. George Youth Invited to a TRUTH Against Tobacco Celebration (Salt Lake City, UT) – Youth throughout St. George are invited to attend a free TRUTH Anti-tobacco celebration on Saturday, June 14 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Ultimate Challenge, located at 476 E. Riverside Drive in St. George. Students from Grades K-12 submitted entries in the sixth annual Truth From Youth Anti-tobacco Advertising Contest presented by the Utah Department of Heath (UDOH). On May 21, students who entered the contest were invited to an awards ceremony and party at The Gateway in Salt Lake City. This year, for the first time, an event will be held especially for southern Utah’s students, since they are often unable to attend the annual ceremony in Salt Lake City.

The event is presented by the UDOH, the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, and Prevention Dimensions. The party at Ultimate Challenge will include free pizza, cake, drinks, and prize giveaways, in addition to music played by a live DJ. Students will enjoy inflatable games, a climbing wall, and sumo wrestling. The Phoenix Alliance, Utah’s anti-tobacco youth advocacy group, will be there to answer questions and distribute materials.

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department and Prevention Dimensions have made an extra effort this year to prevent St. George youth from smoking. More than 5,000 students from Washington County received anti-tobacco presentations demonstrating the dangers of tobacco use and the manipulation and tactics the tobacco industry uses to get kids to smoke.

For more information about the contest and party, call 1-801-256-4924 or visit the web-site at www.youthagainsttobacco.com.

5-21-03

Contact:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Control Program
(801) 538-6917

Twenty-Nine Utah Youth Receive Awards for Entries in TRUTH Awards Ceremony
(Salt Lake City, UT) – Twenty-nine Utah youth received recognition at an awards ceremony on May 21 at The Gateway Union Pacific Depot for their winning entries in the sixth annual Truth from Youth Anti-tobacco Advertising Contest, presented by the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). More than 5,000 students entered this year’s contest, and more than 36,000 students have participated in the contest since 1999.

Teachers throughout the state view the contest as a great teaching tool. "The Truth from Youth [Ad Contest] is the most authentic classroom assignment that I ask my students to complete," said Crystal Spackman, a Murray High School teacher. "I think it’s a great idea to have students encourage their peers to either stop smoking or to never start. It’s a real and positive process that I fully support."

Utah youth ages 5 to 18 entered the contest by creating anti-tobacco radio, TV, or billboard ads. Entries are grouped into elementary, junior high, and senior high school categories, with cash prizes for first, second, and third place.

There are three Best of Contest winners, one in each category. The winner for billboard is "Which Smile Do You Prefer" by Piper Whited of Moundfort Middle School in Ogden. The radio winner is "Prince Charming" by Emma Lunbeck of West High School. The TV winner is "Addiction" by Austin Corry and Heather Dawn of Wasatch High School in Heber City. In addition to receiving a cash prize, the Best of Contest winners will have the opportunity to help produce their ads, which will be aired this summer.

Following the awards ceremony was a TRUTH party where students enjoyed music with a live DJ, dancing, Sumo-Tyme games, and a special appearance by the popular anti-tobacco ad character, Lab Rat 204.

For more information about the awards ceremony, call 1-801-256-4924 or visit the web site at:  
www.youthagainsttobacco.com.

Editorial Note: Call Amanda Caraway at 801-531-0533 to set up interviews or to acquire copies of this year’s winning entries.Additional winners are:

Elementary Billboard

1st place Dallin Marshal of Vernal Middle
2nd place Nicole Morgan of River Heights Elementary
3rd place Sam Matthews of South Summit Elementary

Junior High Billboard

1st place Ben Barns of Muellar Park Junior High
2nd place Brian Pratt of South Jordan Middle
3rd place Cami Stephenson of Kaysville Junior High

High School Billboard

1st place Tyeson Haffaker, Amy Glavas, and Amber Nelsen of Murray High
2nd place Brittany Welch, Tanner Nielsen, and Chris Rowberry of Mountain Crest High
3rd place Kali Stewart of Pleasant Grove High

Elementary Radio

1st place Dallin Olsen of Lincoln Elementary
2nd place Reggie Charon of Leid Boys and Girls
3rd place Megan Loy, Taylor Roach, and T.J. Butterfield of Mountain Shadows Elementary

Junior High Radio

1st place Laura Magleby and Stan Magleby of Springville Junior High
2nd place Alex Hartuigsen and Christina Fasick of Kaysville Junior High
3rd place Erica Hawkins and Michelle Ferrell of Kaysville Junior High

High School Radio

1st place Joshua Wood of Northridge High
2nd place Sara King, Josh Newman, and Alexander Pyrogov of Clearfield High
3rd place Wendy Page of Bountiful High

Elementary TV

1st place Nicholas Peterson, Timothy Peterson, and Keilan Smith of West Weber Elementary
2nd place Amanda Moss of Lincoln Elementary
3rd place Jaymi Patterson and Jacqui Patterson of Mountain Shadow Elementary

Junior High TV

1st place Jessica Brough of North Layton Junior High
2nd place Kendall Nelson of Mueller Park Junior High
3rd place Emily Bennett of Springville Junior High

High School TV

1st place Jared Nelson of Springville High
2nd place Meggie Larsen of Clearfield High
3rd place Christopher Crofts, Zach Wall, Tyler Jorgensen, Derek Davis, and Chancy Morwood of Richfield High

5-20-03

Contact:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Control Program
(801) 538-6917

"World No Tobacco Day" Calls Attention to Excessive Tobacco Use in Film and Fashion(Salt Lake City, UT) – Utah’s health advocates want parents and youth everywhere to ask Hollywood to stop doing Big Tobacco’s dirty work. Saturday, May 31 is "World No Tobacco Day," celebrated globally, and this year’s theme is "Tobacco Free Films, Tobacco Free Fashion. Action!" The focus is to call attention to the role of the fashion and film industry in glamorizing tobacco use. Seventy percent of all top-grossing films contain tobacco use. Several movies currently showing in Utah, such as "Down With Love" and "Chicago," feature leading characters that smoke. Widespread smoking in the movies is a major pro-tobacco influence, particularly on teens. Even after controlling for the effects of parent smoking and other factors, seeing a lot of smoking in the movies triples the odds that a teen will try smoking.

"Big Tobacco has been working behind the scenes in Hollywood for many years to glamorize smoking and promote its product to a global audience," said Lena Dibble, media liaison for the Utah Department of Health’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. "Smoking in the movies is a major pro-tobacco influence, especially for teens, who often mirror their favorite movies’ stars by imitating their actions and behaviors, including smoking."

Many studios have a history of closed-door partnerships with Big Tobacco. For "Superman II," Warner Brothers made a deal with Phillip Morris to feature Marlboro cigarettes and edit the film to avoid any negative portrayals of Marlboros. In a 1983 speech to Phillip Morris International Marketers, Hamish Maxwell, president of Phillip Morris International, said "Smoking is being positioned as an unfashionable, as well as unhealthy, custom. We must use every creative means at our disposal to reverse this destructive trend. I do feel heartened at the increasing number of occasions when I go to a movie and see a pack of cigarettes in the hands of the leading lady. We must continue to exploit new opportunities to get cigarettes on screen and into the hands of smokers."

These days leading characters light up in more than nine out of ten films, and one fifth of kids’ movies feature smoking. Anti-tobacco advocates want to encourage filmmakers and the fashion industry to put an end to misleading portrayals of tobacco use as glamorous, fun, or attractive, and to recognize their responsibility as role models.

"Kids don’t realize that current movie heroes are 3 times more likely to smoke than people in real life," said Dibble. "When viewing a movie that includes smoking, parents can use it as a teaching moment. Draw attention to the fact that movies are fantasy and they make everything look more glamorous than it is in real life."

Pamela I. Clark, PhD, at Northeastern Ohio University’s College of Medicine, has created a list of points based on research conducted with kids and parents, that parents can use to help talk to their kids about smoking.

Tips include:

Don't assume kids will learn to be smoke-free at school
Let them know how you feel about smoking
Remember, kids do listen, although they may feel a need to rebel at first
Be a good role model and don’t smoke, or explain that you know it's a bad habit and ask them to help you quitLimit their ability to buy cigarettes
Have extended family support to keep kids smoke free
Don't believe that smoking is safer than "something else"
Remember, it's never too late to intervene.

For more information and statistics on tobacco use in film and fashion visit: www.smokefreemovies.ucsf.edu

Contact:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Control Program
(801) 538-6917

Utah Youth Invited to TRUTH Awards Ceremony and Party, May 21st at The Gateway
(Salt Lake City, UT) – Youth throughout Utah have discovered that they don't need superpowers to fight big tobacco. Thousands of students became "Defenders of Truth" by entering "The Truth from Youth Anti-tobacco Advertising Contest." On May 21 the winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony and party held at The Gateway. Anyone who entered the contest is invited to the awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m., with a TRUTH party to follow at 5:00 for the public.

Youth will enjoy seeing local celebrities, music with a DJ, dancing, snacks, Sumo-Tyme games, and a special appearance by popular TV ad character, Lab Rat 204.

This is the sixth annual Truth From Youth Advertising Contest, sponsored by the Utah Department of Heath (UDOH). Utah youth ages 5 to 18 entered the contest by creating anti-tobacco radio, TV or billboard ads. Twenty-nine total winners will receive cash prizes and trophies. Entries are grouped in elementary, junior and senior high school categories with cash prizes for first, second, and third place. Best of contest winners will also receive a cash award and have the opportunity to help produce their ads, which will be professionally produced and aired in the summer of 2003.

"One of the best ways to counter the tobacco industry's advertising dollars is to get your own message out there," says Lena Dibble, UDOH tobacco prevention and control program. "This year's theme, "The Defenders of Truth," urged ordinary kids to fight against tobacco industry manipulation by using the power of advertising and creativity. Students created their own radio, TV or billboard ads to show big tobacco they’re not buying what the industry is selling."

The 2003 contest produced more than 5,000 entries from students statewide. We were pleased that the contest yielded the highest number of entries from the junior high level," said Dibble. "It is vital that we involve junior high students because they are at the highest risk to begin smoking. Most regular smokers start before the age of 18, so if students don’t start before they turn 18, it’s more likely they will never start."

For more information about the awards ceremony call 1-801-256-4924 or visit the web site at www.youthagainsttobacco.com.

Editorial Note: Call Amanda Caraway at 801-531-0533 to set up interviews, or to acquire copies of this year’s winning entries. A press release containing the winners’ names, schools and city/county will be available at the ceremony. The list of winners should not be aired or printed until after the ceremony when the official announcement will take place.

4-30-2003

Contact:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Control Program
801-538-6917

Utah Department of Health Launches Tobacco Education Campaign for Native Americans  (Salt Lake City- UT - April 30, 2003)- The Utah Department of Health (UDOH), in collaboration with Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Native American Outreach Program, recently launched a creative, culturally tailored tobacco education campaign targeting Native Americans who live in Utah.

Traditionally, tobacco has been used by many tribes for spiritual and ceremonial purposes and is considered sacred. However, increased use of commercial cigarettes and tobacco has led to many health problems among Native Americans. Tobacco companies at times use Native American imagery and patriotic messages to encourage this use.

"Tobacco use in the Native American population is a unique issue," said Heather Borski, program manager, UDOH’s Tobacco Prevention and Control program. "We believe that it is very important to educate users about the risks of use of commercial tobacco, while respecting traditional uses and customs."

There are almost 30,000 Native Americans in Utah. In 2002, 19.1 percent of Native Americans in Utah were current smokers, compared to 12.9 percent of adults overall in Utah (BRFSS 2000). Native Americans have the highest tobacco use rate of any ethnic population in the state.

"In the case of tobacco education, cultural awareness of the spiritual vs. recreational use of tobacco will help clarify the message," said Phyllis Nassi of the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Native American Outreach Program. "In a time where we, as Native Americans, identify with our traditional heritage, tobacco use in the non-traditional way carries risk. This message needs to be put in a form that not only explains the risk, but is presented in a culturally sensitive and culturally charismatic way."

Six posters were created, distinguishing between traditional and commercial use, for posters and billboards. Appropriate images are used to illustrate the messages. For example, two pictures of Native American men using tobacco are displayed. The first picture shows a man using natural tobacco in a ceremonial setting, with the word "spiritual" below. This is contrasted with a second picture showing a man smoking a cigarette, with the word "spiritless" below. Other posters juxtapose "prayers" and "poisons," "ceremonial" and "commercial," "creation" and "pollution," "natural" and "unnatural," and "positive" and "negative" uses and situations. Two posters focus on the use of tobacco during pregnancy.

The UDOH identified the need for culturally appropriate materials for the Native American population regarding tobacco use, and went through an extensive review process involving representatives from all Utah tribes. The posters will be distributed through tribal health leaders and local health departments that work with the tribes.

Native Americans and others who need help quitting tobacco use are encouraged to call the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1-888-567-TRUTH. The quit line is in operation Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contact:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Prevention and Control Program
801-538-6917

UDOH is Inviting All Former Smokers to Take Part in the First "I Did It!" Anti-Tobacco Walk  (Salt Lake City-March 14, 2003)—Have you done it? The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is inviting all former smokers, their friends and families, and people who want to quit smoking to take part in the first Truth About Tobacco "I Did It!" Anti-tobacco Walk.

The walk will be held Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 9 a.m. at the northeast end of Liberty Park, located at 700 East and 1300 South, Salt Lake City. Registration is not required, and there is no cost for participation.

The event will be kicked-off by former smoker and Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, who will declare March 29 as "Freedom From Tobacco Day." Following the walk, which will be 1.4 miles around the park, representatives of the Utah Department of Health’s Five-A-Day program will be on hand with food and tips on healthy living. Every participant will receive a free "I Did It!" T-shirt to keep and wear during the walk.

"The ‘I Did It!’ Walk is a celebration of the accomplishment of those who have done it—who have become tobacco free," said Lena Dibble of the UDOH Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. "We feel this is a great way for Utahns to get together and get the message out about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting. We hope this will become an annual event."

"When I quit smoking, I wanted to tell everyone that they could quit too. The "I Did It!" campaign gave me that opportunity," said "I Did It!" campaign participant Kent Shepherd. "I challenge all former and current smokers to join me at the "I Did It!" Walk as a way to let other Utahns know that they can do it, too."

UDOH launched its fresh, upbeat "I Did It!" public education Truth About Tobacco campaign in October 2002. The campaign focuses on Utah adults and features those who have quitting "success stories" to tell and promotes the Utah Tobacco Quit Line, at 1-888-567-TRUTH. The campaign includes radio, TV, billboards and posters and a unique web site, at www.ididit.tv.

For additional information on the "I Did It!" Anti-tobacco walk, please call Mark or Kelli at
801-519-8880 or visit www.ididit.tv.

2-19-03

Contacts:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Prevention and Control Program
(801) 538-6917

Jana Kettering
Director of Public Information
801-538-6339

Utahns Say "Truth" Campaign is Making a Difference (SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 19, 2003) – The efforts of the Utah Department of Health's (UDOH) Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) are paying off with lives saved, improved quality of life, reduced medical care costs, and youths prevented from using tobacco.

TPCP Program Manager Heather Borski says, "In addition to our data that shows our Truth About Tobacco campaign has been effective, we are now hearing from Utahns that have been positively affected by the work we are doing. We have found that tobacco affects most of us in one way or another, as we are gleaning personal stories from the Truth campaign’s ‘I Did It’ web site and Utah Tobacco Quit Line, along with youth, teachers, health workers, loved ones of smokers and many other sources."

One story comes from Eugene Delgado of Kearns, a smoker who sought help from the Quit Line. "I personally think the tobacco industry and lobbyists go way too far. You see cigarette ads everywhere," says Delgado. "Now they say they're discouraging kids from smoking, but it looks to me like they are trying to get them more involved in smoking. I'm glad that Utah is taking steps to fight back."

Murray High School Teacher Crystal Spackman uses UDOH's "Truth from Youth" anti-tobacco advertising contest as part of her curriculum and calls it "the most authentic classroom assignment" she asks her students to complete.
Teachers are using the contest as an opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. "As far as a ‘school to work’ process, from idea to fruition, there is not a more complete process than this contest," says Spackman. "Not only that, the idea of [students] encouraging their peers to either stop smoking or never to start is a real and positive process that I fully support. I applaud the effort. They have helped kids to either stop smoking or not to start in the first place."

"The tobacco industry aggressively markets its products to Utah's lower-income adults, youth and other  vulnerable populations. These are the people that can least afford the cost of tobacco products and related medical costs but by the time they realize that they are addicted and the Quit Line is the only effective cessation program available to them," says Borski.

Now in its sixth year, UDOH's multi-pronged media campaign targets prevention and cessation among mainstream and high-risk youth, adults, pregnant women, Native Americans, Hispanics and Latinos, college students, rural populations and worksites. UDOH is working to counteract the $65 million spent by tobacco companies marketing to Utahns and to reduce the $273 million burden the state incurs annually in smoking related medical costs. Each 5 percent decline in Utah's adult smoking rates means 9,000 fewer smokers, 3,000 lives saved and $73 million dollars saved in medical care costs.

Though TPCP's budget is less than half of what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for  an effective campaign based on the evidence of what works, the program has still been successful. Results from the 2002 campaign include:

"As proud as we are of these accomplishments there is still more to do. Only a small fraction of grade 5-8 students are receiving a proven anti-tobacco curriculum. In times of state budget woes, it is important for us to stay the course and continue going head to head with the tobacco companies to counter the health and economic effects of their marketing and products. That’s what the tobacco lawsuit was all about," says Borski. "Though we have what might be considered a shoestring budget by many other states, we run a lean and highly effective operation."

To Utahns like Delgado, TPCP's programs hit a very personal note. " I started smoking when I was a kid because all the ad hype made cigarettes seem very cool, " says Delgado. "I'm glad the Quit Line is there." Delgado is taking advantage of the state’s services in his effort to quit successfully.

UDOH is encouraging anyone who has been affected by tobacco use or the state's anti-tobacco programs to send their stories via e-mail to truth@crowelladv.com.

1-30-03

Contacts:
Lena Dibble, UDOH
Tobacco Program
801-538-6917

Jana Kettering
Public Information Officer
801-538-6339

Utah Department of Health Launches New Second Hand Smoke Campaign –"Some Things Aren’t Meant to be Shared"(SALT LAKE CITY—January 30, 2002) — More young children are killed by second hand smoke than by all unintentional injuries combined in the U.S. As part of its ongoing Truth campaign, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is launching a new series of advertisements that will prompt Utahns to think about the dangers of second hand smoke and realize that "some things are not meant to be shared."

"We needed to take an approach that was not offensive to smokers, but one that educated smokers and non-smokers alike about the harmful effects of second hand smoke," said Lena Dibble, Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, UDOH. "The new ads are a great way to alert the public on the dangers of second hand smoke." Some of these dangers include middle ear infections in children, lung cancer, asthma, heart disease, and respiratory infections.

Each commercial depicts people "sharing" things that, for obvious reasons, are not typically shared such as a handkerchief, toothbrush, gym towel, dentures, etc. In one commercial a young women is seen chewing a piece of gum and then offering it to the camera. The voice over then says, "Some things aren't meant to be shared." The next frame shows a person taking a puff from a cigarette and blowing the smoke into the camera. The voice over says, "Especially second hand smoke." Each commercial ends with a power fact such as, "The TRUTH. 50,000 Americans die each year from heart disease caused by second hand smoke."

The four :30 spots, produced by the Crowell/Love Partnership, will begin airing on January 30 for 16 weeks. These are the first spots to be produced about second hand smoke in Utah. The ads are targeted mainly towards adults, but the UDOH hopes that youth will also be impacted by the messages. Billboards, posters, and ultimately radio ads will be produced with the same theme.

Utah has one of the most comprehensive indoor clean air laws in the nation. However, more than 55,000 Utah children and family members are still exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes, cars, and other locations.

Editors Note:
Broadcast: Spot dubs are available; however, most local and some cable TV stations are airing the spot and should have a dub for use in the story. Beta copies are available from Kelli Fratto, at 519-8880.

Print: Still shots of the scenes in the ads are available from Kelli Fratto, at 519-8880.

12-23-02

Contact:
Lena Dibble
Tobacco Control Program, TPCP
(801) 538-6917

Jana Kettering
Director of Public Information
801-538-6339

Cartoon Vultures Teach Utah Kids That"Smoking is a Dangerous Road"SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 23, 2002 – Now that Utah kids are home from school on holiday break, many will click on the TV and find an unlikely pair of anti-smoking advocates--cartoon vultures. The Utah Department of Health’s (UDOH) Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) is taking advantage of the season’s increased children’s television viewing by launching its first-ever, animated advertising campaign.

The ad, which recently began airing, illustrates the pitfalls of smoking by telling a humorous story from the two vultures’ point of view. The ad is the first of two featuring the vulture characters and ends with the tagline, "Smoking. It’s a dangerous road."

"This is the first time the TPCP or the UDOH have ever specifically targeted children under 8 years old with mass media messages," says Jana Kettering, UDOH Director of Public Information. "In addition, this is the first time we have ever used animation for our prevention messages – it was time to break some new ground in our prevention efforts."

"Children begin smoking at an average age of 12 years," says Lena Dibble, TPCP Media Liaison. "The sooner we can reach those kids, the more successful we will be in preventing them from using tobacco later in life. We are using a fun way to get a very serious message across."

The vulture ad campaign was developed for the TPCP by the Crowell/Love advertising partnership. The campaign’s unique animation style was produced by the Tennessee-based studio, Magnetic Dreams. "The line-drawing style is beneficial and the most economical in animation," says Dibble. "Full-blown color animation is incredibly expensive. But since that is the style kids have become used to seeing, our black-and-white, line-drawn ads really stand out. In the end, we were able to create a very memorable spot, with fun characters and plot twists, on a limited budget." The second vulture ad, which builds on the vultures’ story, will begin airing in February.

Editor Note:
Broadcast: Spot dubs are available; however, most local and some cable TV stations are airing the spot and should have a dub for use in the story.

Print: Still shots of the scenes in the ad are available by contacting Cami Rozanas (801) 537-0533 or crozanas@crowelladv.com.

11-04-02

Contact:
Lena Dibble
(801) 538-6917

Utah's Youth Can Become "Defenders of Truth" by Entering Anti-Tobacco Advertising Contest SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 4, 2002 – You don't need superpowers to fight big tobacco. That is the message that the Utah Department of Health’s (UDOH) Phoenix Alliance youth advocate group is sending this week. The UDOH’s Phoenix Alliance will launch the sixth annual Truth From Youth Anti-tobacco Advertising Contest and urges ordinary kids to rebel against the tobacco industry by entering.

"One of the best ways to counter the tobacco industry's advertising dollars is to get your own message out there," says Chrissy Upton, a Phoenix Alliance youth leader. "Create your own radio, TV or billboard ad and show big tobacco we're not buying what they're selling."

This year's theme "Defenders of Truth" is carried out on the contest poster, which shows a teen demonstrating his "advertising superpowers" to battle the "Tobacco Toxicator."

"We're excited about the look and theme and how it plays into the current underground comic book look-and-feel to that’s hot right now," says Bre deBry, of the UDOH’s Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.

The contest is a curriculum tool well used by many Utah teachers. Last year’s contest yielded 8,000 entries from students statewide. "I have used the Anti-Tobacco Advertising Contest as a part of my curriculum for five or six years," says Jill Bridges, a teacher at Northridge High School in Layton. "It is a relevant experience for the kids in my classes. I teach Marketing, so we have a lot of discussion concerning what influences the media has on the youth. The contest is a very powerful teaching tool and project motivator."

The UDOH recently distributed thousands of contest information packets and posters this month to every teacher in the state. Phoenix Alliance members statewide will make anti-tobacco presentations to schools and youth groups to encourage contest participation.

A tongue-in-cheek ad campaign was also launched in support of the contest. The TV ad is a deadpan spoof on superhero movies and the radio ad is a humorous look at an "average" teen who also happens to posses superpowers.

Utah youth ages 5 to 18 may enter the contest by creating anti-tobacco radio, TV or billboard ads. Entries are grouped in elementary, junior and senior high school categories with cash prizes of $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third. Contest deadline is March 21, 2003. Best of contest winners will receive $400 and have the opportunity to help produce their ads, which will be shown in May 2003.

"They may claim otherwise, but the tobacco industry continues to target youth," says Chris Keate, Phoenix Alliance member. "They sponsor concerts and extreme sporting events. They distribute free merchandise with weak anti-tobacco messages that actually promote use and advertise tobacco name brands."

"Tobacco companies place ads in magazines that appeal to teens and point-of -purchase signs in convenience stores where lots of youth will be sure to see them, " says Upton. "While television ads are no longer allowed, movies are still a showcase for tobacco. Celebrities light up and brand names are clearly visible. Big Tobacco spends $8.24 billion per year nationally on advertising and marketing. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids estimates that $65 million in advertising is spent on marketing yearly in Utah."

"Defend the truth. Enter the contest," says Keate. "It's a great way to fight back against this media manipulation."

For more information about the contest or the Phoenix Alliance call 1-801-256-4924 or visit the web site at www.youthagainsttobacco.com.

Editorial Note: Copies of the contest materials and corresponding comic book art are available by calling Rhonda Greenwood at 801-531-0533. Copies of last year’s contest winners’ entries are also available.

10-01-02

Contacts:
Lena Dibble
UDOH Tobacco Program
801-538-6917

Jana Kettering
Public Information Officer
801-538-6339

UDOH to Launch New Truth About Tobacco "I Did It!" Media Campaign To Focus on Utahns Who Have Successfully Quit Smoking (SALT LAKE CITY)—October 1, 2002—The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) today launched its fresh, upbeat "I Did It!" public education, Truth About Tobacco campaign. The campaign for the coming year will focus on Utah adults and features those who have quitting "success stories" to tell and the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1-888-567-TRUTH. The campaign includes radio, TV, billboards and posters and a unique web site.

Twenty-four Utahns will share their story about quitting – their freedom from tobacco ra