DHSS Press Release |
Date: April 22, 1999 DHSS-18-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Jennifer Castleberry Phone: (302) 255-9037 Pager: (302) 247-8523 |
MEDIA ADVISORY: STATE WAGES WAR ON YOUTH ACCESS TO TOBACCO AND SMOKING
Anti-smoking billboards unveiled, Sales rates to youth released
| WHO: | Governor Thomas R. Carper Attorney General Jane Brady Secretary of Health and Social Services Gregg Sylvester, M.D. Secretary of Public Safety Brian Bushweller Secretary of Services for Children, Youth and their Families Thomas Eichler Secretary of Finance John Carney Tobacco Free Delaware Director Deborah Brown |
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| WHAT: | A press conference to release the latest figures on tobacco sales to youth and to unveil the new anti-tobacco billboard campaign |
| WHEN: | Monday, April 26, 1999 10:30 a.m. |
| WHERE: | The Cannery (South side of the parking lot) 3301 Lancaster Pike |
| WHY: | Smoking by youth is on the rise in Delaware. 33% of 11th grade students report regular cigarette use and children who are under the age of 18 are illegally buying cigarettes from retailers throughout the state. The Governor and four of his Cabinet Secretaries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding that strengthens the state's efforts to reduce youth smoking and access to tobacco products. The agreement addresses the state's responsibility to conduct retail inspections, to enforce the state law prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors and to conduct retailer and community education programs regarding youth access to tobacco. In addition, the first Delaware anti-tobacco billboard will be unveiled as part of the settlement agreement between the state and tobacco producers. The agreement requires tobacco companies to pay the leases for new anti-tobacco billboards in replace of the cigarette ads that once canvassed the roadsides. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Delaware. |
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
