Media Release
For: Immediate Release
Date: November 6, 2001
Contact: Sally Mendzela, Tobacco Control Program, 401-222-7624
Media Advisory
Health's 9th Annual Tobacco Control Conference Draws National Speakers
Celebrating the Great American Smokeout’s 25th Anniversary (American Cancer Society )
Trying to answer the question: Why, after 25 years, is tobacco still the leading cause of death and disease in Rhode Island and the US?
WHO:
David A. Kessler, MD
Former Commissioner, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dean, Yale University School of Medicine
Author of A Question of Intent
Why is the tobacco industry still largely unregulated?
Why are cigarettes still the only product that, when used as intended, kills the user?
Dr. Kessler led the FDA to confront one of the most controversial public health issues of our time - an insidious and lethal industry - American Tobacco companies. His story is full of intrigue and politics. It will inspire anyone who dares to confront the controversial issues in public life, health and politics.
Robert G. Robinson, DrPH
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Why do African-Americans have higher rates of lung cancer than whites?
Does the tobacco industry really target racial/ethnic groups, women and low- income consumers? Why? How do they get away with it?
Dr. Robinson speaks to tobacco industry tactics of targeting certain groups and about how we can close the gaps in health disparities. What works and what doesn't when trying to eliminate health disparities? Where are the gaps? How can they be addressed? Dr. Robinson will speak to the need for comprehensive community-based approaches in the elimination of health disparities.
Anne Marie O'Keefe, PhD, JD
Academy for Educational Development
How far have tobacco control advocates come in the past 25 years?
What are the insidious strategies used by the tobacco companies? How can they effectively be countered?
Dr. O'Keefe is an expert on tobacco industry strategies--tobacco industry targeting and avoiding effective regulation. She has recommendations for tobacco control strategies that will work.
WHAT: 9th Annual Rhode Island Tobacco Control Conference Sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Health, the University of Rhode Island, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association of Rhode Island
WHAT ELSE: Tobacco control advocacy awards will be presented to 25 of the strongest tobacco control advocates in Rhode Island
WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 2001, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick, RI
CONTACTS: Sally Mendzela, RI Department of Health, 401-222-7624
Margaret Thomas, Strategic Marketing 401-438-8866
Curtis Spence, Claymar Enterprise 401-272-9496
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