A CHALLENGE TO STUDENTS TO GRADUATE TOBACCO-FREE

Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley today issued a challenge to all Saskatchewan grade 12 students to graduate tobacco-free.

"Smoking is the single biggest cause of disease and premature death in Saskatchewan," Addley said. "This challenge was inspired by the graduating students of Ernie Studer School in Loon Lake who finished their high school years last June choosing to be smoke-free."

Grade 12 classes, teams or clubs that graduate tobacco-free will receive a congratulatory certificate from the Minister of Healthy Living Services in recognition of their accomplishment.

A letter from the Minister offering the opportunity to participate in this smoke-free challenge will be sent to Saskatchewan high schools. That letter will be accompanied by supporting resource materials for any teachers who may wish to encourage their class to try to remain or work toward graduating tobacco-free.

"Students who can make a commitment to help one another to either quit smoking, or refrain from starting in the first place, are to be commended," Addley said.

Participation in the tobacco-free challenge is voluntary and open to any individual grade 12 class or team or club. Confirmation of the accomplishment will be done on an honour basis when the principal returns a form to Saskatchewan Health prior to graduation. The list of successful grade 12 classes will be announced in late spring.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083