Reynolds encourages teens not to smoke

The Right Decisions Right Now (RDRN) youth tobacco prevention program has partnered with the National School Boards Association in the US in a joint effort to convey a strong and effective anti-tobacco use message to more teens, according to a note posted on Reynolds American’s website.

‘RDRN, which is funded by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, is a successful, evidence-based curriculum designed to educate middle-school students about the dangers of tobacco use and offers ways for them to lead a healthy lifestyle,’ the note said.

The online program is available free of charge to educators, as well as parents and youth-focused community groups.

“Schools clearly can and do play a role in catching young people before they start smoking by educating them on the dangers of tobacco use,” said Tom Gentzel, the association’s executive director.

And Laura Leigh Oyler, who leads the Reynolds companies’ youth tobacco prevention efforts, said that RDRN aimed to increase awareness and educators’ use of the program through its partnership with the association.

“Evidence-based programs like ours are very important in the fight against youth tobacco use, and I’d like to see RDRN in every health class in the country,” Oyler said.

The full story is at: http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/RAI/3506486414x0x785618/e89152fd-858d-43fe-bd83-95ed25629069/2014-04_RJRT_RDRN-YTPP_partners_with_NSBA.pdf.