(Santa Ana) – The tobacco industry spends an alarming $16 million each day (or $11,000 a minute) on advertising and special promotions. To counter the negative impact of tobacco industry marketing on youth, the County of Orange Health Care Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) joins community leaders, educators and students on November 6 at 10 a.m. on the corner of Edinger and Springdale in Huntington Beach for the unveiling of a student-created, anti-tobacco bus shelter ad.

The unveiling will take place on the corner adjacent to Marina High School, 15871 Springdale, and features the artwork of Jamie McGraw, a Marina High student who participated in TUPP’s “Tune Out Tobacco” billboard workshop project. Jamie’s artwork was chosen from more than 75 entries as best depicting the positive portrayal of tobacco in movies, television, billboards, magazines and in-store advertising. Her original design showcasing the negative side effects of tobacco, was selected through a contest held by TUPP’s “Back that Ash Up” youth coalition.

The “Tune Out Tobacco” project provides youth in grades 6 through 12 with the opportunity to make a positive impact on the entertainment and advertising industries through the development of innovative media products that counter tobacco industry advertisements and promotions.

The Tobacco Use Prevention Program’s mission 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 Orange County residents through youth, community services and public policy programs. For more information, please call the TUPP program at
(714) 834-3232.

###