Waurika News Democrat

Local News

September 9, 2009

Turning point turns attention to eliminating tobacco from campus

Jeff Kaley

WAURIKA — Jefferson County Turning Point Coalition (JCTPC) is attempting to partner with the Waurika and Ryan school districts in the 24/7 Tobacco Policy program.

The 24/7 Tobacco Policy is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Health (ODH), with the goal of school districts forbidding tobacco use on school grounds at any time. Turning Point Coalition has identified teen tobacco use as one of the primary public health problems in Jefferson County.

During the group’s August meeting, Jefferson County Health Department RN Autumn James said she and Brandie O’Connor, from the Oklahoma Turning Point Coalition, were to meet with Waurika Superintendent Roxie Terry to discuss bringing the district into compliance with the state-wide 24/7 Tobacco Policy program.

“Brandie has talked with Mr. Terry, and he advised they already have a similar policy in effect (at Waurika Public Schools),” James said. “However, some of the wording needed to be changed slightly to be in compliance with a 24/7 policy.”

She said the state health department has agreed to contribute to covering the cost of signs that would be installed on school property, should any county schools choose to participate in the program.

JCTPC Chair Fran Bergeron said she had spoke with administrators in the Ryan school district, but they were not interested in joining the state-wide program at this time.

“(Ryan administrators) said they didn’t have anyone to enforce the policy and didn’t think community members were ready,” Bergeron noted, adding that Ryan officials felt there was a need for more public awareness of the 24/7 program.

Coalition members discussed having the media play a role once one of the county’s school districts adopts the 24/7 Tobacco Policy

Coalition member Anna Duran, from the Oklahoma Department of Health, said the state Turning Point Coalition was initiating a Certified Health Business program, which would recognize businesses, both profit and non-profit, which are working to improve the state’s health status by providing health and wellness opportunities for their employees.

Businesses that participate will be recognized at a luncheon hosted by the ODH. Business owners wishing information on the program and an application to participate can go to the Web site www.okturningpoint.org.

Duran also said plans are being made for JCTPC to partner with the Jefferson County OSU Cooperative Extension Office to offer a baby-sitting seminar and training in mid-October. It would be open to students from 12 to 16 years of age, who could become certified baby-sitters by participating in the training.

During the meeting, it was also noted that JCTPC wants to schedule a child car seat check and distribution in December, and Penny Gardner, from Women’s Haven of Stephens and Jefferson counties, noted that October is Domestic Violence Month. She said a recognition program is being planned for Jefferson and Stephens counties.

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