Media Release

CONTACT: Elizabeth Harvey, MA, MS 401-222-1394, ext. 146
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: July 14, 2000

Health Department Awarded Grant to Rally Youth Against Smoking

State Health Director Dr. Patricia A. Nolan today announced receipt of the $75,000 grant, from the American Legacy Foundation (Legacy). The grant, awarded to the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), will help build a statewide youth movement against tobacco use.

Dr. Nolan said, "Each day, about 14 Rhode Island kids become smokers. We need to engage young people to reverse this trend. This grant allows us to build upon our existing tobacco control efforts." The FY2001 budget just passed by the RI General Assembly and signed by the Governor includes an additional $1 million for tobacco control counter advertising. "By the end of the year," said Dr. Nolan, "we intend to have a statewide youth organization with a minimum of 100 members and partnerships with at least 25 other organizations."

The Legacy funds are part of a $35 million national grant program, the largest award ever to mobilize and motivate teens to reduce youth tobacco use. Rhode Island is one of 18 states and the District of Columbia that will receive grant awards and will match those awards with their own funding. Seven of the awards, including Rhode Island's, are planning grants, ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 for one year. Awardees will develop youth advisory boards and steering committees, conduct community needs assessments, and build coalitions to create statewide youth programs.

Entities receiving planning grants will have the opportunity to apply for program funding the following year.

The American Legacy Foundation is a national, independent, public health foundation located in Washington, D.C., created by the November 1998 Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement. It collaborates with organizations interested in decreasing tobacco consumption among all ages and populations nationwide. Cheryl G. Healton, Dr.PH, Legacy president, said, "We’re proud to be a part of the plan to encourage leadership development for young people in the Ocean State and get them motivated to take a stand against tobacco."