Collaboration Brings Smoking Cessation Program to DCAS
Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) is a state of the art anti-tobacco programspecifically designed for high school students who want to quit smoking. N-O-T helps teens to stop smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke by identifying why they smoke, pinpointing social influences that encourage them to smoke, combating social pressures, understanding immediate benefits of quitting, setting realistic and attainable goals for change, and developing life management skills.
Dare County Department of Public Health Youth Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Lisa Phillips arranged for Dare County Alternative School Teaching Assistant DuWayne Gibbs to receive training in the new program to pilot in Dare County Schools.
"Mr. Gibbs is the ideal NOT facilitator and we are very fortunate that someone so capable and compassionate took on this role,'' commented Phillips.
DCAS Principal Richard Martin is enthusiastic about bringing the 10-week program to his school. "We are glad to pilot this program for the district," stated Martin. Students participate voluntarily in the N-O-T program.
Students express many of the same reasons as do adults for wanting to kick the habit. Topping the list of many is cost, others are tired of having their rooms, cars, and clothes smell of cigarettes. By incorporating several of the strategies they are practicing in the sessions at school, many of the students are already reporting steps to success, such as remaining smoke-free for a several day period.