FDA to Regulate Tobacco

On June 22nd, President Obama signed a bill into law that will allow the FDA to regulate the content, flavor and advertisement of cigarettes. Passing with overwhelming bipartisan support, the tobacco regulation bill is a huge victory for health advocates looking to decrease the use of cigarettes, which is still the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States.

Less Scene Smoking

Does tobacco-use in popular media have a negative impact on youth? CNN Health recently posted a well-researched article about the relationship between smoking among youth and smoking on screen.

Youth Summit 2009 - July 22nd - 24th

Free Youth Summit Organized by the Center and BREATHE

What is YOUTH SUMMIT? - Youth Summit is a free three day fun filled event at Valley of the Moon Camp in Sonoma County, California, July 22^nd to 24^th. The purpose of Youth Summit is to prepare students to participate in tobacco-free campaigns, in their schools and communities. There will be exciting workshops in the daytime and fun activities at night! Students will have fun, learn skills, and become positive active members in our community. The Youth Summit is sponsored by Breathe California – Sacramento Emigrant Trails, Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, and funded by the Sacramento County Health & Human Services Department and Sacramento County Tobacco Litigation Settlement Funds.

Click here for more information and application!

Australia Gets to the Point in Anti-Tobacco Ads

World No Tobacco Day - May 31

Sunday was World no Tobacco Day. In the world-wide effort, The World Health Organization is recommending stronger labeling and placing graphic images on the packaging of cigarettes. The WHO claim that graphic images and clear labels educate consumers and decrease smoking rates.

India recently joined 20 other countries such as Australia by implementing a policy to place graphic images and warnings on their cigarette packages. Realizing the cost in human lives and health care expenditures, India has been making strong advances in tobacco control in the last couple of years. They currently have a policy for smoke-free public places, bars and restaurants.

World Health Organization Recomends R Rating for Movies Containing Tobacco Use

CYAN Reports - This morning the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report recommending that all future movies with smoking scenes be given an adult rating. The report also recommends that movie studios should:

• certify that they received no payoffs from tobacco companies to display tobacco products or their use
• stop displaying tobacco brands onscreen
• require strong anti-tobacco advertisements before all movies that have tobacco imagery

This report is another great resource for you and your Smoke Free Movies campaign. To download the full copy of the WHO’s report, please visit: http://www.who.int/tobacco/smoke_free_movies/en/index.html

Anti-Tobacco Public Service Announcement Winners - Sacramento

Thank you to all who came, participated, volunteered and sponsored Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center's first Youth Premiere and Anti-Tobacco Film Contest.  The evening was a success.

3rd Place - Two Way Tie

Asian Pacific Community Counseling - Tobacco in the Movies

George Washington Carver High School - No Butts!

2nd Place - Two Way Tie

Asian Pacific Community Counseling - Where U At?

Hiram Johnson High School - Tobacco and Hollywood

First Place

Natomas Charter School - Second Chance

FDA Commisioner Supports Tobacco Regulation

In a recent article in AMNews, the new Food and Drug commissioner picked by President Obama is in favor of the agency regulating tobacco.  Dr. Hamburg is quoted as saying "This is a critical moment, I think, to take a more aggressive look at how we regulate tobacco products...I think the FDA is the appropriate agency to regulate tobacco."  Dr. Hamburg is the former New York City health inspector, a state with strong history of tobacco control.

Extra! Extra! Youth Film Premiere Makes Headlines.

The hard work is paying off. The Sacramento Press featured us in their culture section. This year's Youth Film Premiere is going to be fantastic. We'd like to thank all the participants, volunteers, support and sponsors. Positive press will help strengthen our message.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!  The Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center will hold its first Youth Film Premiere in collaboration with California Voices this May 14, 2009 from 5-8:30 at the Crest Theatre, Sacramento.  Hundreds of youth from more than 14 schools will be featuring their youth-produced videos about issues in their lives and communities.  The event will also include an anti-tobacco public service announcement contest.  The event is FREE and will include free beverages and snacks.  For more info, visit www.sccsc.org.