Campaign aims at preventing spit tobacco use

By The Standard Staff - 02/14/2008

The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program kicks off “Through with Chew Week” Feb. 17-23, an annual observance of activities designed to prevent and reduce spit tobacco addiction.

As a special incentive, the program will offer through the free Montana Tobacco Quit Line six weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy, including lozenges, the patch and gum.

The state’s spit tobacco use rate is one of the nation’s highest, largely because 12 percent of Montana men use spit tobacco, statistics show.

“What is more alarming, 22 percent of Montana 12th grade boys use spit tobacco,” said Ben Pezdark, tobacco prevention specialist with the Butte-Silver Bow County health department. “Our surveys show that more than half of Montana high school students do not believe that spit tobacco users risk significant health damage.” Spit tobacco causes oral, esophageal, stomach cancer and tooth and gum diseases.

Gina Evans, another tobacco prevention specialist, said people “who believe spit tobacco is a safe alternative to cigarettes are sadly mistaken.” The following activities are planned in conjunction with the week: Anaconda At the Subway, where Don Tweed is manager, a six-inch sandwich will be given away for each mostly full can of chew turned in on Tuesday, Feb. 19.

Butte Montana Tech’s Digger football team will be at Great Harvest bakery 3 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, promoting “Through with Chew Week.” A loaf of bread will be given away for each can of chew, mostly full, turned in.

Deer Lodge At the Yak Yak Coffee house, each mostly full can of chew brought in will bring a homemade baked treat on Thursday, Feb. 21.

Live radio remotes are planned from all three locations.

‘Spit Out’ day set Feb. 21 The Great American Spit Out, a day designated to encourage spit tobacco users to quit, is Thursday, Feb. 21.

People may call the Quit Line, which provides free nicotine replacement therapy and coaches who help callers develop individual quit plans. The toll-free number: (800) QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

For more information, call Ben Pezdark or Gina Evans, tobacco prevention specialists, at 497-5044 and 497-5003.