(Santa Ana) - The County of Orange Health Care Agency Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) will join community leaders, educators and students on Monday, November 20, from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. for the unveiling of an anti-tobacco billboard. The unveiling will take place at 7021 Westminster Blvd., Westminster (at the location of Silva’s Auto Body and Paint).

Khahn Nguyen and Thy Phan, the young artists who created the artwork, will unveil the billboard. Students from Warner Middle School developed the billboard artwork while participating in the Tobacco Use Prevention Program " Tune Out Tobacco" project.

Dignitaries from the school district, city and county government will be on hand to participate in the day’s event.

The tobacco industry spends more than $16 million each day in the United States (or $11,000 a minute) on advertising and special promotions. The " Tune Out Tobacco" project helps youth in grades 6 -12 counter the positive portrayal of tobacco in movies, television, billboards, magazines and in-store advertising. By participating in the "Tune Out Tobacco" project, youth have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the entertainment and advertising industries through the development of creative and innovative media products.

The mission of the Tobacco Use Prevention Program is to reduce tobacco use and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in Orange County by mobilizing a broad-based network of community organizations and committed individuals. TUPP provides services to the residents of the County through youth, community service and public policy programs. For more information on TUPP and their programs, please call Barbara Soeffner at (714) 834-3232.

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