WASHINGTON, DC, October 22, 2015 – truth is challenging college students across the country to make a short video about a smoke-free event they want to host on their campus and post it to YouTube or Twitter with #truthatyourcampus. Up to five students who submit the most creative and inspiring ideas by November 6 will win a pack of truth merch to help them throw the best smoke-free party their campus has ever seen.
More than 99 percent of current smokers start lighting up before the age of 27. College campuses across the country are starting to fight back against tobacco by becoming tobacco-free. This summer truth celebrated Syracuse University’s tobacco-free campus policy. Across the United States, 1,620 schools have implemented 100 percent smoke-free policies, helping reduce the uptake of smoking in young adults.
College students have the ability to lead on their campuses, which is why truth is encouraging students to use their creativity to host public, smoke-free events on their campuses this fall. The events will help spread the word that this generation can be the one to end tobacco use for good.
Truth Initiative, which directs the truth campaign, is already working with 38 community colleges and 33 Historically Black Colleges and Universities to educate students, staff and faculty about the consequences of tobacco use and help the schools adopt 100 percent smoke- or tobacco-free policies. Establishing a smoke- or tobacco-free campus policy can be an effective way to protect young adults and populations most at risk from tobacco use and addiction.
Find more information on how to get involved at http://www.thetruth.com/take-action/at-your-campus.
About truth®:
truth® is the most successful and longest running national youth smoking prevention campaigns. The campaign exposes the tactics of the tobacco industry, the truth about addiction, and the health effects and social consequences of smoking. truth gives teens facts to make their own informed choices about tobacco use and inspires them to use their social influence and creativity in the fight against tobacco. The campaign is credited with preventing hundreds of thousands of teens from starting to smoke, and is working to make this the generation that ends smoking for good. To learn more, visit thetruth.com. truth is part of Truth Initiative, a national public health organization dedicated to achieving a culture where all youth and young adults reject tobacco. To learn more about Truth Initiative’s work speaking, seeking and spreading the truth about tobacco, visit truthinitiative.org.
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Media Contacts:
Sarah Shank
202-454-5561
sshank@truthinitiative.org
Mickey Chagnon
202-454-5902
mchagnon@truthinitiative.org