AHS celebrates World No Tobacco Day

EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is raising awareness about World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), observed annually on May 31.

In an effort to protect youth and teens from using tobacco products, the Tobacco Reduction Program will provide parents, teachers and health professionals with access to resources to support discussions with students and youth about the health risks surrounding the use of tobacco products.

In addition, AHS staff will be sharing their messages with Albertans across the province during WNTD, hosting a number of activities with community partners.

Displays will be set up in the atrium of the East Edmonton Health Centre (7910 112 Avenue) and at the Public Health Centre in Northgate Centre (9499 137 Avenue) on Wednesday, May 31. Members of the public are encouraged to drop by at their convenience and review all the information and support services available.

“We want to use this opportunity to raise awareness of the personal benefits of staying tobacco free and reducing the risk to those around us by keeping smoke out of our workplace, homes and vehicles,” says Helen Ramsey, Health Promotion Facilitator – Tobacco, Child and Youth Health in AHS’ Edmonton Zone.

AHS offers a variety of programs and services to help Albertans quit all forms of tobacco (including electronic), by telephone, group cessation programs and one-on-one counseling. Online supports and resources are also available from www.albertaquits.ca to help Albertans double their chances of quitting. All supports are free of charge and available to all Albertans.

Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), World No Tobacco Day has been an annual observance on May 31 for more than 20 years. It aims to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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