One in three of these kids will die prematurely as a result, typically from chronic, expensive health problems. Research and experience have shown that comprehensive, statewide prevention and reduction programs are highly effective. In California and Massachusetts, per capita cigarette consumption decreased by 30 percent to 40 percent in the first three to five years of implementation. Recent reports from Florida show that smoking has declined by 19 percent among middle school students and by eight percent among high school students in the first year of implementing a comprehensive program. Attendees will include representatives of local tobacco-free coalitions from the states of Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.
Registration is open to all and there is no registration fee.