Youth Tobacco Prevention and Control

Clean Air For Life - This 10 month grant was given to Family Links by the Alabama Department of Public Health. The goal of this project is to reduce the youth tobacco prevalence rates in Calhoun County by engaging youth and the general public through community presentations and policy advocacy activities in order to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and exposure. In particular, this project educates and empowers youth and other spokespersons in the "YEP!" (Youth Empowerment Program) curriculum. The Saks High School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) are participating this year as Calhoun County's YEP! group. Students are also educated through the use of a research-based prevention program entitled Lifeskills. Due to the high incidene of tobacco use among youth in grades 6-12 in Calhoun County, three schools in the Calhoun County School System have been participating this year. All sixth graders from Weaver, Wellborn and Saks Middle School are currently being taught the Lifeskills curriculum. The Lifeskills curriculum is an exciting new breakthrough curriculum which not only prevents tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse, but teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to:

  • Increase self esteem
  • Increase ability to make decisions and solve problems
  • Communicate effectively
  • Avoid misunderstandings with friends or acquaintances
  • Manage anxiety
  • Make new friends
  • Stand up for your personal rights
  • Say "no" to unfair requests
  • Resist advertising pressures
  • Resist pressure to use drugs

The grant also involves an extensive media campaign to spread awareness of the dangers of secondhand smoke through media outlets, health fairs, coalition meetings, and other community events. The media campaign this year has also included two billboards, a commercial, newspaper ads, and a radio interview on the "Steve and Carl Morning Show."

Family Links took three Saks teens to the State House in Montgomery on Feb. 17, 2009 for the State Smoke-Free Youth Rally, where we rallied outside the Capitol Auditorium to legislators in an effort to make Alabama completely smoke-free. We contine to promote healthy environments and educate the public on the dangers of tobacco.

For more information or questions contact Jessica Breazeale.

Also check out the Tobacco Prevention Myspace page!!