Home » World No Tobacco Day » Graphic Tobacco Health Warnings

Graphic Tobacco Health Warnings

Do we have your attention now? If so, then we are on the right track, as we support the goal of the 2009 World Health Organization’s (WHO) World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), which will be observed on May 31, 2009. This year, WHO is asking organizations, individuals, government entities, and you, to promote their theme: TOBACCO HEALTH WARNINGS.

Tobacco health warnings that include both pictures and words are the most effective method for convincing people to quit tobacco. More than a dozen countries across the globe already use these warnings to grab smokers’ and chewers’ attention and plant the idea that tobacco cessation is the smart and healthy step they need to take.

On World No Tobacco Day 2009, and all year long, WHO will encourage governments to use tobacco health warnings that have maximum impact, including warnings that take up more than half of the pack, appear on both the front and back of the pack, and contain specific, gruesome pictures.

Decisions to use these grisly images are taking hold all across the world, but what does that have to do with you? How does a decision to use these images in India or Scotland or El Salvador impact you, on your base, in the field, or in your home?

The world has become a tiny place. As technology brings everyone closer, the choices we make at home or on the job have a ripple effect in terms of our environment, our culture, our opinions, and our health. You sit at your computer on one side of the world and your thoughts, images, and opinions can be instantly seen and heard by people in another climate, time zone, and continent.

Strong men and women who have made the patriotic decision to wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces have always been looked upon as role models, defenders of freedom, and champions for those whose voice is stifled by tyrants of any form. In this case, the tyrant is the tobacco industry, and your mission is to help those in every corner of the world break free from their oppressor. In the tradition of the United States Armed Forces, accept the challenge and forge ahead until the message is delivered loud and clear.

Are you ready for the graphic and disgusting warnings we promised at the beginning of this article? Let’s take a little trip around the world. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Do you get the picture?

Now that you’re on board, here are some ideas of what you can do to participate in WNTD 2009:

• You can help yourself or others prepare to quit and locate support.
• You can tell people preparing to quit about one-on-one real-time chats with a trained Cessation Coach on how to quit and stay quit.
• You can play radio ads and other multimedia, even podcasts. New in 2009—join us on Twitter, MySpace, or Facebook.
• You can download all kinds of materials to read or distribute such as wallet cards, posters, and postcards.
• You can motivate or show support with e-cards.

You can find ideas on how to promote the World No Tobacco Day on your installation or nearby.