Local Youth Group Visits American Lung Association to Learn About Consequences of Tobacco Use

(July 29, 2011)—

The American Lung Association in the District of Columbia was proud to welcome a diverse group of local youth to their office last month to learn more about the negative consequences of tobacco use.  The youth are part of the District’s Summer Youth Employment Program to become Peer Educators in substance abuse prevention, an initiative led by the Ward 1 & 2 DC Prevention Center (DCPC) in partnership with Mary’s Center. Through a series of workshops, the youth have already been trained in a variety of areas ranging from communication, advocacy, accessing local resources, and the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Their visit to the American Lung Association was an opportunity to put their learned skills into action and to expand their knowledge of the dangers of tobacco use.

“Educating youth on the dangers of tobacco use is an important step in the fight against tobacco,” said Kimberly Williams, Manager of Advocacy and Communications for the American Lung Association in the District of Columbia. “We could not have been happier to welcome this young group into our office to learn more about tobacco and were impressed at the level of engagement that each youth member had as they asked questions and showed genuine interest in the health impacts of tobacco use.”

*The DCPC serves as a dynamic hub that engages, supports, and helps connect the many community elements that are needed for promoting healthy children, youth, and families as well as a drug-free District of Columbia.