About the Program

Despite the many warnings about the dangers of tobacco, adolescents continue to smoke. 3,000 youth under the age of 18 will become addicted to cigarettes each day. (Am. Lung Assoc.)

The Kansas Masonic Foundation and the Heartland Division of the American Cancer Society, in conjunction with the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute and the Kansas University Medical Center students, are addressing this growing problem. Through the Don’t Choke on Smoke^© program, a strong message of smoking prevention is presented to local students before they are tempted to start smoking.

Don’t Choke on Smoke^© was developed by the Northwestern University Medical School through the Illinois branch of the American Cancer Society. The program was brought to Kansas by a medical student and is supported by the Heartland Division of the American Cancer Society, Kansas Masonic Foundation, Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute and Kansas University Medical Center.

Don’t Choke on Smoke^© is an interactive, one-hour smoking prevention program targeting 4th grade students. It is presented in a two-part presentation conducted by University of Kansas Medical Center students.

Part I will consist of presenting smoking facts and health information in an interactive game format.

Part II will consist of role playing, where students will have an opportunity to learn and practice responses to peer pressure.

If you are interested in having the Don’t Choke on Smoke program at your school, complete this form and send it by mail, or fax to (913) 588-4701. If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Lang at (913) 588-4786, or by email at “rlang@kumc.edu”.