Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) can help solve the smoking problem among teenagers in West Virginia. Teens who smoke are at risk for developing a lifelong addiction that can cause serious health problems and cut years off their lives. Teenagers who want to stop smoking need help, and they don't always get it. Getting N-O-T into all of the schools in West Virginia will give teens that needed support. |
Why we | |
N-O-T is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention
N-O-T in Action:
- The objectives of the program include helping teenagers to:
Stop using tobacco or;
Reduce the amount they use;
Increase healthy lifestyle behaviors (diet, exercise);
Improve life management skills (dealing with stress, avoiding peer pressure). - N-O-T is researched and evaluation based. It was specifically designed for teenagers by the American Lung Association in collaboration with researchers from the Prevention Research Center at WVU.
- It includes a highly detailed ten-session core curriculum, with weekly meetings lasting approximately fifty minutes (less than one class in a block schedule).
- Uses diverse instruction methods (e.g. small group discussion, journal activities, role playing and handouts.)
- Reinforces tobacco reduction as a benefit if students do not succeed in quitting.
- N-O-T is a voluntary, non-punitive program that is aimed at the teens who want to quit smoking.
As a part of the N-O-T facilitator training, the facilitators also are trained in the ALA Alternative-to-Suspension program (ATS). ATS is a mandatory program for students who are being disciplined for violating school policy.
- Both programs include free facilitator training and ongoing support by the American Lung Association.
- The American Lung Association offers a $50 mini-grant per clinic to be used for supplies (refreshments, journals, goody-bags, etc.).
- After the ALA receives the needed evaluation packets and paperwork, the facilitators receive a $250 stipend for the N-O-T program and up to $100 for the ATS program..
- Evaluation results show that NOT works!
22% of participants were smoke-free six months after the program ended.
Of those who continued to smoke, 65% reduced their smoking on weekdays, and 75% on weekends.
85% believed N-O-T helped them alter their smoking behavior.
Nearly 90% either quit or reduced their smoking.
If you are a facilitator and need help talking to school administration to get a NOT group started in your area, please contact Tony Richards by email or call 1-800-LUNGUSA. ALA staff is ready and willing to talk to anyone to get N-O-T in West Virginia schools.