 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
ILLINOIS
TEEN TOBACCO USE- PREVENTION AND TREATMENT PROGRAM CHICAGO and LISLE - The Teen Tobacco Use- Prevention and Treatment education program of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP web: www.illinoisaap.org) and the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians ) won the Award of Excellence in the 2003 Associations Advance America Awards program, a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Washington, DC. The physician education program was developed by Illinois pediatricians and family physicians to provide healthcare providers with evidence-based methods to investigate and treat tobacco use among teenage patients. Considering 90 percent of today's adult smokers took up the habit before age 18, cutting off tobacco use in adolescence is crucial in reducing future smoking rates and tobacco related illnesses. The project was supported by a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities Program, funded by the Tobacco Settlement Recovery Fund. This fund was depleted last September 2002, and additional funding for the Teen Tobacco Use program is questionable. "Teens are bombarded with tobacco use in movies and advertisements, and pressure from friends who smoke. A physician is a respected figure who can provide positive reinforcements about the dangers of tobacco use and break the cycle of addiction. This program helps to even the deck that is normally stacked in favor of adolescent smoking," commented Helen J. Binns, M.D. of Chicago, a pediatrician who serves as an advisory board member. "Although family physicians are battling tobacco use in all age groups every day, winning the war on tobacco use in teens is critical," said Thomas P. Houston, M.D. of Chicago, a family physician who served on the expert panel. "Working with ICAAP and their members will help ensure that more teens receive the cessation help they need, no matter which physician provides their care." The ASAE announced 15 associations to be honored with an Associations Advance America Award of Excellence. Now in its 13th year, the AAA Awards recognize associations and industry partners that advance American society with innovative programs in education, skills training, standard setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship and community service. "The Teen Tobacco Use- Prevention and Treatment program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society," remarked ASAE President Michael S. Olson, CAE. All AAA Award winners will be honored during the ASAE annual meeting this summer. The Award of Excellence qualifies the program for a possible Summit Award, which is the highest level and is also awarded at the annual meeting. In addition, ASAE contacted members of Congress and the governor's office to alert them to this award. #####
|
