Tobacco Documents Online

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY HEALTH EDUCATION DIVISION COUNTY ANNEX BUILDING 841 GEORGES ROAD NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. 08902 (201) 7454100 STEPHEN "PETE" DALINA CHAIRMAN June 12, 1990 Mrs. Janice Marshall, MSN, Coordinator New Jersey Department of Health Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control Smoking Control Program CN 369 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0369 Dear Mrs. Marshall: SERNARD G. MIHALKO DIRECTOR I am writing in enthusiastic support for American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST) resources to be awarded to the New Jersey Department of Health and the American Cancer Society. As you know, the Surgeon General has estimated that 390,000 Americans die preventable deaths every year due to tobacco-related illness. Tobacco has also been determined to cause cancer in those exposed to other people's cigarette smoke, making "second-hand" smoke the third leading cause of preventable death in this country (preceded only by alcohol-related illness). In addition, studies indicate that smoking has not significantly decreased in America's teenage population. It is for these reasons that we Health Educators have a lot more work to do to raise young people's consciousnesses to the fact that smoking isn't "glamourous," "sophisticated," "sexy"; it's downright foolish. The work that we have been able to do in Middlesex County to help educate young people, so that they do not start, and to help adults quit has reached over 7,000 people. But, without some strong reinforcements, our grassroots efforts will be undermined by the tobacco-industry's three billion advertising dollars a year, our smoking prevention and cessation progress in Middlesex County would not have been possible. We particularly appreciate the resources, support and ideas provided by you and by George Wasser at NJDH. Your expertise, excellent management, and networking on our behalf helped us to provide smoking: prevention education, adult and teen cessation groups, and advocacy to implement a smoke-free environment. Considering the fact that cigarette smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in this country, the ASSIST project is the most important health program available today. And, as Tobacco Control Field Representative for the Middlesex County Health Department, I strongly feel that there are no better organ- izations than the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Division of the American Cancer Society to carry out the terms of the ASSIST contract. i 2Q23S763'75

2. I believe that NJDH and ACS working synergistically together, irn cooperation with our state and local coalitions, will effectively reach as many people in New Jersey as possible. Our health department stands ready to help NJDH and ACS to implement this vital program. The funding provided by ASSIST could truly keep the prevention and cessation momentum going in Middlesex County. We, at Middlesex County Health Department, who have worked so closely with you in the past, believe that there are no more deserving, no more knowledgeable organizations in the field of smoking prevention and cessation today than the New Jersey Department of Health and the American Cancer Society. Sincerely, ~~~~c~!~a~r,~.u Linda Benjami Kline Tobacco Control Field Representative Middlesex County Health Department