Tackling Tobacco Use with Traveling Trunk Show

Source from:  stategazette.com Saturday, June 14, 2008 06/16/2008

The Dyer County Health Council will soon be able to provide age-appropriate learning materials to residents ranging from preschoolers to adults on the dangers of tobacco use with its Traveling Trunk Show. Through the state's recent tobacco settlement, Dyer County received $15,700 to be used in education efforts on the effect tobacco use has on the body. Members of the Health Council's Tobacco subcommittee decided to use the money to take their lessons 'on the road' with 11 age-appropriate trunks featuring creative, hands-on learning tools on the dangers of tobacco use. Each box will be geared toward a specific age group or demographic and will be available for checkout from the council. "The health council met and (YMCA CEO) Randy Butler stepped up to the plate," said Deere, who said the council had to find an entity to oversee the funds and spending of the money. With Butler's approval, the YMCA will run the funding and paperwork through its budget and help fulfill the state requirements to document the spending for anti-tobacco teaching aids. "The trunks will be loaded with wonderful educational tools," said Deere. "A lot of visual aids, DVDs, and while supplies last, stickers, pencils and other incentives for children." The trunks will be filled with lesson plans, handouts, stickers and supplies, as well as pre-tests and post-tests designed to help the council accumulate local data. But creative tools like a vest to restrict lung use, a jar representing the tar-like matter that accumulates in the lungs of smokers and the gum and tooth decay of "Mr. Dip Lip" will most likely take center stage in the program. "There will be a lot of hands-on learning," said Sartin. "Age-appropriate materials." Trunks will be created for faith-based programs, childcare centers, health service organizations and industry, with seven of the trunks set aside for use in the school systems. Local organizations will be able to check out the trunks for use at health fairs, church programs, industrial health fairs and classrooms of all ages throughout the county. "People are always asking if we would like to set up a booth at their health fair," said Deere. "This way, they can just come and check out a trunk. Daycares can check out a trunk to provide programs on second-hand smoke for parents." Organizers also expect the trunks to be used in conjunction with the Great American Smoke Out and other smoking-cessation initiatives. Enditem