Founded in 1992, "Nicotine-Free Mountain Empire" (formerly known as the Kingsport Youth Tobacco Prevention Project) is committed to reducing youth tobacco use in our region. The coalition currently exists as a project team under the auspices of the Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP). "Nicotine-Free M.E." consists of dedicated health care professionals and volunteers who are committed to and have a passion for working to reduce tobacco use in the region. Team members are represented from the following organizations: Sullivan County Health Department Brookside Medical Group ETSU Family Physicians Surgical Associates Holston Medical Group ETSU College of Medicine ETSU College of Nursing Wellmont Health System American Lung Association American Cancer Society American Homepatient "The Young and Breathless" Pulmonary Rehabilitation Support Group (HVMC)

The Mission of Nicotine-Free M.E.

To promote and improve human welfare and health in our region by reducing tobacco use through coordinated initiatives that include: prevention through public education, cessation, youth involvement,and regional planning/communication.

Goals and Objectives

1. Develop an effective public education/prevention campaign. 2. Provide and promote available cessation resources within the region. 3. Involve youth in the planning and implementation of public awareness campaigns/activities. 4. Build an effective, sustainable regional tobacco control coalition.

Quit Tobacco Now

NFME is aware that quitting smoking or spit tobacco is a difficult task that often takes many attempts before obtaining longterm success. Therefore NFME encourages you to get as much support as possible in your endeavor to quit. Certainly, talking to your physician is always wise. In addition, NFME has found the following to be helpful to many trying to quit tobacco. · 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669)Mon. – Fri. 9-4:30 EST This quit line is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. You will talk to someone for up to 30 minutes who will help you design a quit plan specifically for your needs. They also offer other means of support if you desire. ·1-800-LUNG USA (American Lung Association) ·www.smokefree.gov (National Cancer Institute and CDC) ·www.lungusa.org (American Lung Association) ·www.merckfrosst.com/e/health/heart/smoking/home.html (Merck Pharmaceuticals) ·www.quitnet.com (American Legacy Foundation) ·www.americanlegacy.org/greatstart (Am. Legacy Foundation - for pregnant smokers)

Grant For Youth Tobacco Prevention/Intervention

Kingsport Tomorrow was awarded a 3 year grant from the State of Tennessee Health Department to provide services designed to decrease youth tobacco use in Sullivan County. NFME Volunteers offer several options to schools and youth organizations in Sullivan County: -"Piggy and Ciggy" is a smoking prevention program designed and presented by Wellmont educators for Kindergarten-3rd grade. -"Smoke Free That's Me" is geared to 4th and 5th graders and was written by the VA Lung Association. Several NFME Volunteers have been trained to present this program in the classroom. -Area physicians accompanied by patients who give their testimonies about tobacco induced illnesses (emphysemia, lung cancer, oral cancer) are popular with middle school assemblies. Many of the patients who speak started smoking or using spit tobacco in their early teens. -A dramatic presentation about the impact of tobacco on one's life was written by one of our NFME volunteers and is most appropriate for the middle school population. -Displays about tobacco can be set up for school health fairs or other venues that target youth. -An annual "Don't Smoke" poster contest is held at area middle schools. The winning poster is developed into billboards displayed in our community and the winner is recognized at an assembly at their school. NFME thanks Lamar Advertising and Blue Cross for their financial support of this program. -Smoking cessation programs are encouraged at area high schools. NFME volunteers are available to provide assistance, training, or materials to area high schools about cessation. Great American Smoke Out activities have been held, "business cards" with smoking quit lines are being developed for distribution, and several volunteers at area high schools and NFME volunteers have been trained to facilitate a 13 session cessation program designed for teens (N.O.T) -Because many teens work in restaurants and are exposed to second hand smoke, NFME commends restaurants in the area that have chosen to be smoke free. We are making the list of smoke free restaurants available to the public. In addition, all Sullivan County restaurants will receive a mailing this year about the health risks of second hand smoke and the benefits of becoming smoke free. -Girl's Incorportated in Kingsport has had a "Girls Against Tobacco" program. This provides tobacco education to the girls as well as provides fun activities for them to be advocates about the dangers of tobacco to their peers and families. If you work with youth in Sullivan County and would like to schedule one of the above programs, become involved, or have a new idea, please call the NFME phone line at: 423.224.2356.

GET INVOLVED!