For Immediate Release: January 13, 2003 (03-010)

Contacts: Tim Church, Office of Communications 360-236-4077, Pgr 360-534-0068

OLYMPIA ¾ The Washington State Department of Health has awarded more than $1 million in tobacco prevention and control grants to 10 communities in our state. The funds will be used to support local work to reduce tobacco use and raise awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

In all 18 grants have been awarded through the department’s Tobacco Prevention and Control program. The grants range from $22,300 to $75,000. The funds will help pay for many efforts such as educating pregnant women and their families about the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke, creating "quit smoking programs" in high schools, and working with businesses to establish smoke-free policies.

"Local communities are the front line in the fight against tobacco use," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "These funds will give local health departments and anti-tobacco coalitions more resources to counter the advertising and promotional efforts of the tobacco companies."

The grants are targeted to raise awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke and to help reduce tobacco use among minorities and 18- to 24-year-olds — the latest target of tobacco company advertising. The $1 million in new grants is in addition to more than $5 million local communities have already received from the state this year to fight tobacco use.

"Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death in Washington," said Mary Selecky, Secretary of Health. "It kills thousands of people every year in our state. We are committed to making sure people know the truth about tobacco use and can get help when they are ready to quit."

The community grants are paid for by funds the state has received through the tobacco tax implemented as a result of Initiative 773. Attached is a list of grant recipients and amounts.

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Tobacco Prevention and Control Grants

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