December 15, 2003
Carrie Enoch and Nick Ayapan at KYUK in Bethel.
By Caroline Nevak, Tobacco Education Specialist, YKHC Nicotine Control and Research Program
In November, the YKHC Nicotine Control Department launched a multitude of new radio ads as part of an on-going anti-tobacco mass media campaign in the YK Delta.
These radio ads were designed and presented to inform people about the risks of tobacco use and to motivate them to stop tobacco for life.
On November 24, Carrie Enoch, Nicotine Control and Research Program Senior Counselor, and I joined Nick Ayapan of Kwethluk and Donna Pleasant of Tuntutuliak to record public service annoucements (PSAs) at KYUK Radio Station in Bethel. Ayapan quit tobacco with the help of YKHC's Nicotine Cessation Program and was eager to share his success story. The ads were recorded in both Yup'ik and English. Carrie Enoch also recorded a PSA on the harmful effects of secondhand smoke or ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke) in Yup'ik.
Donna Pleasant was also eager to share her success story. She recorded her announcement in both Yup'ik and English, documenting her long-time tobacco use. She shared her struggle with tobacco, and how she came to YKHC's Nicotine Dependence Treatment Program to get help. through the program, she was able to become tobacco free. Donna is also our current poster model. Donna's posters and story have been distributed throughout the Delta and can be seen in numerous locations around the hospital and other YKHC facilities.
The radio spots recorded this year are broadcast Delta-wide on KYUK. Since June 4, 2003, our ads have played eight times a day on week days and four times on weekends! As a result of so many ads being broadcast, and with so much print media documenting real people and their success stories right here in the YK Delta, the YKHC Nicotine Control and Research Staff have been very busy with lots of referrals from providers in the hospital clinics as well as referrals from Village Clinics.
The challenges we encounter to help people stop using tobacco are present everywhere. The Delta still has a high percentage of tobacco users and there are a lot of people, young and old, who are exposed to second hand smoke. Do your part, and contact the professionals at YKHC Nicotine Control and Research Program. We want to help you quit and can provide safe medications and confidential counseling to get you on the right track to a healthier lifestyle!
If you are interested in stopping tobacco use, please call YKHC Nicotine Control Department, toll free at: 1-800-478-3321 or locally 543-6312. Back to Messenger 12-03 Contents