December 28, 2000

Broome-Tioga Project P.R.E.V.E.N.T Celebrates Tobacco-Free Awareness Week

BINGHAMTON, NY - Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death in the United States accounting for more than 430,000 deaths each year. In Albany, on January 16, 2001, a "Silent March" of shoes is planned to remember those people who have died of smoking-related diseases. A 6-foot tall, red high-heeled shoe snuffing out a big, fake cigarette will be in the forefront of the "Silent March" taking place at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.

Broome County residents can participate locally in the "Silent March" by donating used shoes (rubber-banded together) with, the name of an organization, family member, or friend who died of smoking-related disease. Used shoes can be dropped off at the Broome County Health Department from January 2nd to January 5th. Shoes will be shipped to Albany for the "Silent March" and weeklong exhibit. The Broome County Health Department is located at the corner of Front and Clinton Streets in Binghamton. The shoes may be dropped off in the front lobby between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during that week. Albany-based social service organizations will distribute the shoes after Tobacco-Free Awareness Week activities.

The Broome-Tioga P.R.E.V.E.N.T. (Prevention Reduction Education Vision for Everyone No Tobacco) Tobacco Control and Prevention Program, is a community-based coalition of partners working to raise awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco use. The members of P.R.E.V.E.N.T. are addressing the issues of quitting among adult and youth smokers and prevention of smoking among youth and other people more likely to start.

For more information about donating shoes or getting involved with P.R.E.V.E.N.T., call 607.778.3900 during regular business hours. To get help going Tobacco-Free, call the New York State Smoker's Quitline, toll free at 1-888-609-6292.

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