April 15, 2004
Carrie Enoch and 6th Graders from the Yupik Immersion School at the YKHC Nicotine Control and Research Clinic. Photo by Caroline Nevak.
by Alexandria Modigh, Director of Nicotine Control and Research
In an ongoing effort to promote tobacco education and prevent youth from getting started using tobacco, YKHC's Nicotine Control and Research Program hosted a class of 6th Graders from the Yupik Immersion School on March 8.
This educational effort was undertaken in collaboration with Helen Chimeralria- Smith of YKHC's Learning Center, who was instrumental in coordinating the visit.
The site visit to the YKHC Nicotine Control and Research Clinic in Bethel was arranged after two Nicotine Control Counselors, Carrie Enoch and Sam Berlin, went to the school to present on the dangers of tobacco use. Due to the enthusiasm of the students and the questions they posed, the children were invited back to the hospital clinic where they were shown the effects of tobacco use on a mouth (see pic), along with other pictures and anti-smoking literature.
Caroline Nevak, Tobacco Education and Outreach Coordinator, played a radio public service announcement recorded by Joyce Freeman, who talked about what tobacco had done to her body and why young people should never start using tobacco. Many of the children said that they would go home and encourage family members and friends to stop chewing or smoking. We applaud these students for their initiative!
The children received an insulated travel mug as a thank-you for coming to visit. We look forward to hosting many more students.
Want to quit tobacco? Call YKHC's Nicotine Control and Research Programat 1-800-478-3321 or 543-6312