The Health Unit's Comprehensive School Health department offers the following tobacco prevention initiatives in local schools.

Elementary Schools

Hocus Pocus Vanish Smoking

The Just Say MOE iis an award-winning, curriculum based program acclaimed by educators, parents and health organizations across Canada. It teaches students the required skills to say “NO” to tobacco products in a fun, entertaining format. MOE is and acronym for:
M = Making the right choice     O = Opportunity of a lifetime      E = Every day is a smoke-free day

Developed by professional presenters, Maxwell and Ta-dah!, the “Just Say Moe” program is magic with a message, combining FUN with a powerful learning experience. Using an exciting, interactive approach, students and teachers are engaged in a one of a kind, fun-filled educational presentation.

Hocus Pocus will be hosted during National Non-Smoking week in January 2008.  Grade 4 teachers should watch for the registration forms coming to their schools in the fall of 2007.

High Schools

Quit 4 Life

The Quit 4 Life quit smoking program is a bilingual national program designed for youth ages 14-19. Program materials were updated in 2005, materials included a self-help handbook, and a facilitator guide for group-based delivery.

A new self-help website was also recently launched. Quit 4 Life is a 10 week, 4 step group program which can be hosted at a school during class and/or lunch time. Please call the Comprehensive School Health Program for more information; 519-258-2146, ext. 1260.

High School Grants

The Ministry of Health Promotion provides grants of $650 to $1000 to local high schools through the Windsor Essex County Health Unit for the purpose of conducting student-driven tobacco control projects within their schools. Public Health Nurses play a critical role in the success of a high school grant program. Public Health Nurse involvement is essential in order to provide training and support to high school students and school staff who participate in the high school grant program. The goal of the high school grant program is to motivate student-led action and increase awareness of tobacco control issues. For more information, students should talk to their principal.

Here's a sample of what Belle River did with their tobacco grant money -

http://www.gecdsb.on.ca/schools/SEC/brdhs/noble_scene/february_2007/antismoking.html