Tobacco Prevention

Pam Wilson, the Regional Tobacco Prevention Coalition Cordinator for the American Lung Association of West Virginia, works in Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler counties and her office is located in Wheeling.

Her program activites include:

Maintaining local tobacco prevention coalitions.

Each county has a coalition of local citizens, business owners, and civic groups, as well as regional agency representatives that work on tobacco education geared to their specific communities. They plan activities for "Great American Smoke out" and "Thru with Chew" but are also concerned with educating parents about the effects of secondhand smoke and preventing youth from starting the use of tobacco. Your participation would be welcomed. Each person can give as much or as little of his/her time as he/she wishes. Call Pam at 242-6645 or contact her at pamalawv@aol.com or check out the coalition website at www.smokefreeoc.com.

Providing cessation opportunities in the communties

The American Lung Association's "Freedom from Smoking" cessation classes as well as on-line cessation are offered. In addition, for those who qualify you can receive free patches and counseling by calling the YNOTQUIT line at 1-877-966-8784. Call Pam at 242-6645 or pamalawv@aol.com for more information about tobacco cessation. You may also call the Lung Association office at 1-800-LUNG USA or log on to lungusa.org for additional information.

Assisting businesses/organizations with smoking policies/education

If your business would like to create a smoking policy with a smooth transition, the resources are available. Also if you are a physician's office or health care facility that would like more information about including tobacco education in your health assessment, call Pam at 242-6645 or contact her at pamalawv@aol.com.