New smoke-free bus bench and banner unveiled

Mar 30, 2015 | Read More News

Miles Exploratory Learning Center, 1400 E. Broadway, and the Pima County Health Department will unveil a new smoke-free bus bench and banner at the bus stop in front of the school Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.

The school’s Student Wellness Advocacy Team (S.W.A.T.) students are spearheading this event. They will discuss smoke-free bus stops, picking up cigarette butts and how to gain community support for smoke-free lifestyles. They hope to educate the public on issues affecting youth in respect to second hand tobacco exposure.

Bus stops and other public places are of great concern to these youth, so they see the bus messaging as a great step toward change in their community. The event coincides with the national observance of Kick Butt’s Day, in which youth are encouraged and empowered to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco.

“Pima County’s smoking rates among youth are still consistently higher than the overall rate for the state for 8th graders, 10th graders and 12th graders, so we are looking to change that and limit our youth’s exposure to smoking,” said Lindsay Dashefsky, senior health educator for the Pima County Health Department. “If the youth population is seeing less tobacco use, our hope is that they are less likely to smoke.”

Invitations were sent to several community officials, including Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, City Council Member Richard Fimbres, and all TUSD board members. Adelita Grijalva, TUSD board president, and Dr. Francisco Garcia, Pima County medical director will be present at the event.