DHSS Press Release |
Date: April 26, 1999 DHSS-19-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Ron Gough Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
DELAWARE STEPS UP THE FIGHT AGAINST TOBACCO USE AMONG YOUTH
Armed with 25 new billboards and an agreement between four state agencies and the Governor, Delaware stepped up the fight to reduce tobacco use among youth. As Governor Thomas Carper and Attorney General Jane Brady were hoisted by a cherry picker, the state unveiled the newest anti-smoking billboard titled, Butts are Gross.
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, and Secretary of Finance John Carney all signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that strengthens Delaware's ability to limit youth access to tobacco through enforcement and education.
Tobacco Free Delaware Director Deborah Brown kicked off the rally where more than xxx number of students were present to show their support of a tobacco free Delaware.
The MOU addressed 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.
According to Secretary Sylvester,
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.
Secretary Bushweller pointed out that more 25% of retailers are selling tobacco illegally to minors and in certain areas of Wilmington, that number is more than 50%.
As part of the state's efforts, Cooperating Underage Witnesses (CUWs) conduct compliance checks to see if retailers will sell tobacco to them. Forty-nine CUWs have been trained and 16 are currently working with the DABC (RON..FIND OUT WHAT THIS STANDS FOR?????) to check on whether retailers are obeying the law.
According to the Governor,
The billboard campaign is a result of the national tobacco settlement 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.
