In recognition of Kick Butts Day, more than 60 performers joined forces at a local shopping center and staged a six-minute “flash mob” dance event to support the health district’s anti-smoking programs. The event featured professional dancers as well non-professionals of all ages; the piece was choreographed to music relevant to anti-smoking themes and the video is available on the health district’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjDtG22OdOQ.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 23, 2010

The health district’s Tobacco Control Program combats youth tobacco use by developing programs that go beyond traditional methods, such as extensive social marketing programs, teen-focused counter-advertising activities, community outreach programs that reach into minority communities, and campaigns developed for alternative lifestyles.

The health district’s Tobacco Control Program has received recognition for its programs to reduce smoking rates in Southern Nevada. By using CDC’s Best Practices models, the Tobacco Control Program has developed activities and policy efforts that have contributed to a significant decrease in youth and adult smoking rates, expanded programs directed toward diverse communities, and increased knowledge of the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Each year, approximately 2,500 Nevadans under age 18 become daily smokers. Healthcare costs are about $565 million for smoking-related illnesses and 3,300 Nevadans die from smoking-related illnesses each year.

Updated information about the Southern Nevada Health District can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, on YouTube www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict or Twitter : www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo Ez2stop – www.twitter.com/ez2stop and Get Healthy Clark County – www.twitter.com/gethealthycc.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.