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Contact: Tamara Stevenson
Phone: (248) 442-7986

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grant Funds Botsford
Anti-Smoking Program for Teenagers

Farmington Hills, MI (June 1, 2000)—An estimated 48 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes. Tobacco use is responsible for more than 430,000 deaths each year, or 1 in every 5 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

One approach to reducing these statistics is to catch potential smokers before they start. The CDC reports approximately 80 percent of adult smokers smoking before the age of 18. More than 5 million children living today will die prematurely because of a decision they will make as adolescents—the decision to smoke cigarettes.

Botsford General Hospital has been awarded a $15,000 grant co-funded by the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan. The grant will support the development and expansion of smoking cessation programs and services specifically targeting high school students in the Farmington school district. This program is being piloted at Farmington High School with the support of Debbie Warner, Medical Skills Teacher.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to design programs targeting teen smokers as well as to help students avoid a deadly habit,” said Margo Gorchow, Administrator, Hospital and Community Relations. “We are committed to preserving health and wellness of our children for the future of our community.” For the past three years, Botsford and Farmington schools have been involved in planning and implementation of various efforts to address the health and health-related concerns of Farmington-area students.

The 18-month program will occur in three segments that coincide with the district’s September to June school year. The first segment, which will conclude in June 2000, introduced the smoking cessation program to Farmington students. The remaining segments will expand the “No Smoking” message by engaging students through classroom discussions and various activities. Also, mentoring efforts will be incorporated into the affiliated middle schools as well.

The Botsford Health Care Continuum is an integrated system of care that includes Botsford General Hospital, the Botsford Physician Network, Community Emergency Medical Service, the Botsford Continuing Care Corporation and the Botsford Center for Health Improvement. Botsford’s Internet web site address is http://www.botsfordsystem.org.