Media Alert

For Immediate Release
Contact: Gerald Carey
(856) 566-6171

MEDIA ADVISORY

Conference Addresses Successes and Challenges of Anti-Smoking Measures Since the U.S. Surgeon General's Report Was Issued in 1964

National leaders in tobacco control will discuss the successes and challenges of anti-smoking programs in the 40 years since the U.S. Surgeon General issued the landmark report on the dangers of cigarette smoking at a conference on Friday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick.

"Forty Years of Tobacco or Health: How Can We Do Better," sponsored by the Tobacco Dependence Program of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-School of Public Health, will feature a number of national leaders, including:

• Dr. Michael Cummings of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, who will discuss the failed promises of the tobacco industry;
• Dr. Gregory Connolly of the Harvard School of Public Health, who will discuss the importance of regulating tobacco products
• Matt Myers of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, who will present an overview of how few states are using tobacco settlement funds for establishing tobacco dependence programs
• Dr. Ken Warner of the University of Michigan who will explore the myths and realities of economic arguments surrounding smoking
• Dr. Jonathan Foulds of the UMDNJ-School of Public Health Tobacco Dependence Program will look at the success rate of tobacco control programs in helping people quit smoking.
• Dr. Doug Ziedonis of the UMDNJ-School of Public Health Tobacco Dependence Program will talk about the serious health problem smoking presents to individuals with mental health and/or addiction disorders.

In addition, interactive panels will discuss issues such as the role of nicotine maintenance in reducing tobacco-caused harm, managing highly addicted smokers, successful approaches for treating tobacco use in young people, and the benefits of smoke-free legislation.

WHAT: 40 Years of Tobacco or Health: How Can We Do Better?

WHEN: Friday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency, Two Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ