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Don’t Start smoking contest for kids kicks off this week

(TULSA, OK) Feb. 15, 2006 – The third annual Don’t Start smoking storyboard contest designed to help reduce youth smoking begins this week.

The program gives Oklahoma elementary students (grades K-5) the chance to produce their own 30-second television public service announcement (PSA). Students can write and draw their idea to show other kids and adults about the dangers of smoking.

Two grand-prize winners will have their PSA produced by Cox Communications and shown on TV throughout the summer. Children and classroom teachers also are eligible for cash and other prizes.

Free anti-smoking curriculum for teachers and free contest entry materials for students are part of the Don't Start program. Contest information and materials are available at bcbsok.com. Contest entry deadline is April 7.

“It’s critically important that we start building a healthier Oklahoma at a very young age,” said Wyndham Kidd, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “Don’t Start presents a unique opportunity for kids to tell their peers, in their own words, to say ‘no’ to smoking and tobacco.”

“Each day more than 6,000 kids try their first cigarette and about half of those will become daily smokers,” said Margaret Crump, interim chief executive officer, American Lung Association of Oklahoma. “Youth tobacco use can create a ‘gateway’ to other substance abuse.”

State Superintendent of Schools Sandy Garrett stressed the importance of developing habits early in a child’s life that focus on making healthy choices.

 “We are an eager partner in 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. “More and younger children will learn why it is important to never start smoking.”

Don’t Start is a statewide contest that has been growing in participation and awareness each year since 2004, reaching thousands of students statewide.

Don’t Start fits with Cox Communications’ corporate philosophy involving Oklahoma’s youth, said Dave Bialis, vice president and region manager. “We think it’s our job to give young people the resources they need to choose a healthy lifestyle. 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.”

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

The contest 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.

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 bcbsok.com, or contact Christopher Barton, 1-866-876-4376.