NEWS RELEASE
November 15, 1999

Department of Community Health Observes National Tobacco Use Prevention Week

Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. announced that this week the department is joining the Tri Cities Tobacco Reduction Coalition, the Detroit Asthma Coalition, the American Lung Association and Glaxo Wellcome in observing National Tobacco Use Prevention Week.

"Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of death, but each year an estimated 16,000 Michigan smokers die from tobacco-caused illnesses," said Haveman. "National Tobacco Use Prevention Week can make Michigan citizens more aware of the dangers of smoking and encourage them to quit."

The "Great American Smokeout" will be held on Thursday, November 18. Millions of Americans will make the "Great American Smokeout" the first day of their smoke-free life as they quit smoking. Year round, the Michigan Department of Community Health offers Free Quit Kits to help individuals stop smoking. The free information booklets focus on how to quit smoking and how to stay off smoking and are available by calling 1-800-537-5666.

A special program, "Exposing the Secret Side of Tobacco Addiction," will be held in Detroit Thursday, November 18, from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Detroit Science Center, 5020 John R. The featured speaker, from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. will be research scientist Victor J. DeNoble, Ph.D.

DeNoble was employed by the Philip Morris Research Center where he was responsible for establishing and directing that tobacco company's Behavioral Pharmacology Laboratory to study the behavioral and physiological effects of cigarette smoke on the brain and to identify a substitute for nicotine. His research found that nicotine was a drug with addictive properties and that the addictive power of nicotine was enhanced by another naturally occurring chemical in tobacco. In 1983 Philip Morris suppressed attempts to publish his research and DeNoble was fired. He is currently working for the Delaware Department of Mental Retardation as a senior behavior analyst.

The speech will be followed by a showing of the IMAX film "Everest," and a self-exploratory tour of the exhibit hall. Seating is available for 150 people. Guests must be at least 11 years old to attend. To register and for more information, call (313) 876-4048.