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Oklahoma students asked to create Don't Start anti-smoking TV ads

(TULSA, OKLA., February 1, 2005) - The second Don't Start anti-smoking program will give Oklahoma elementary-aged students (grades K-5) the chance to produce their own 30-second television public service announcement (PSA), while helping in the fight to reduce youth smoking across our state.

"The Centers for Disease Control says that 16.9 percent of children grades 6-8 currently smoke cigarettes," said Kay Todd, chief executive officer, American Lung Association of Oklahoma. "One-third of Oklahoma high school students currently smoke. That's compared with national averages of 11 percent for the younger group and 28 percent for the high school youth."

State Superintendent of Schools Sandy Garrett stressed the importance of starting early in developing lifelong habits that focus on making healthy choices. 

"Our 'Healthy Bodies, Strong Minds' team is an eager partner on the Don't Start program, because choices will be made by students throughout their school years that can negatively impact their health and, as such, learning," Garrett said.  "Younger children will learn why it is important to never start smoking and then develop a message that will appeal to other children and the public as well."

Don't Start is a statewide contest that will educate kids about the dangers of smoking, and allow them to showcase their creativity, said Ron King, chairman, chief executive officer and president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. The program features an anti-smoking curriculum unit for teachers and asks children to create their own television PSA, including artwork and narration, produced and broadcast by Cox Communications. 

 "A large part of our corporate philosophy involves Oklahoma's youth. We think it's our job to give young people the resources they need to choose a healthy lifestyle," said Dave Bialis, vice president and region manager, Cox Communications. "The Don't Start campaign provides an innovative outlet for the students to create their own message.  We think it will be a message that other kids will pay attention to and we're proud to be part of this program."

"It's critical that we start building a healthier Oklahoma at a very young age," King said. "Don't Start allows kids to tell their peers, in their own words, to say 'no' to smoking and tobacco."

The contest runs through April 8 and is sponsored by the American Lung Association of Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Cox Communications and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Two grand prize-winning PSAs (one from eastern Oklahoma and one from western Oklahoma) will be produced, using the child's artwork and voice, and then aired statewide on Cox Communications programming. First-, second- and third-place finalists in three grade categories, K-1st, 2nd-3rd and 4th -5th, from eastern and western Oklahoma also will receive prizes.

The contest is open to students in public, private and home-based elementary classrooms. Teachers who would like more information or would like their classrooms to participate can visit http://www.bcbsok.com/, or contact Elizabeth King, 1-866-876-4376, or by e-mail at Elizabeth King.