Local student speaks against tobacco use

May 23, 2007 11:58 pm

— Muskogee High School junior Ariel Finley spoke May 18 at the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust board of directors meeting in Tulsa. She told the board how SWAT has partnered with Community of Excellence Tobacco Programs to create change in the community.
Finley described the work of MHS SWAT youth in promoting tobacco-free campuses and reducing youth access to tobacco, and exposing deceptive tobacco marketing practices.
According to the Muskogee County Health Department, 16 Oklahomans die each day of a tobacco-related illness, and more than 30 percent of Oklahoma high school students regularly use a tobacco product.
The Communities of Excellence Tobacco Control Program focuses on reducing the impact of tobacco on the Muskogee community through protection from secondhand smoke, prevention of youth access to tobacco and promoting cessation.
Nine SWAT teams in Muskogee County have more than 200 youth members. Information: 683-0321.