News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2017
CONTACT Neely Tsoodle
PR Manager
P.O. Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
(918) 758-6599
NTsoodle@muscogeenation.com
Muscogee (Creek) Nation encourages citizens to stop the use of commercial tobacco during the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on November 16
Okmulgee, Okla. — Muscogee (Creek) Nation is encouraging citizens to commit or recommit to healthy, commercial tobacco-free lives by participating in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on Nov. 16, 2017.
“Our program recognizes the importance of tobacco used in traditional settings, our focus is to help people quit using tobacco that is not used for traditional purposes, we refer to this as commercial tobacco” said Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tobacco Prevention Manager Carla Feathers.
“Commercial tobacco has devastating effects on the health and well-being of our Mvskoke people. We use the Great American Smokeout as an opportunity for our people to challenge themselves to quit for one day. If you can quit for one day, then try two, and three,” Feathers said.
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to all other racial/ethnic groups in the United States.
“The best thing you can do for your health, as well as the health of your family, is to quit using commercial tobacco,” Feathers said.
This is a one-day event Nationwide, however the idea is for this to be a start to a long-term commitment. The program will also provide resources and follow-ups for those who sign up.
On Thursday, Nov. 16 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, MCN Tobacco Prevention Program Specialist Arlene Davis will be set up in the McCombs building lobby located on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation complex if you’d like to pledge or receive a “quit kit.” For more information on commercial tobacco cessation, contact MCN Tobacco Prevention at 918-758-8202.
