KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo - Comanche County fights tobacco use
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LAWTON, Okla. - Eighteen. That's how many Oklahomans die each day because of tobacco use. Two of those people never even picked it up. They were just victims of secondhand smoke.
That's why Governor Brad Henry and Lawton Mayor John Purcell have taken steps against it. Not only is it Tobacco-Free Oklahoma Week, but the Mayor has declared this week Tobacco-Free Lawton Week. And anti-tobacco groups are working hard to bring all the attention to it.
There were eighteen crosses in eighteen spots across Comanche County. "Sixteen is for the number of Oklahomans that die each day from straight tobacco. And two are from secondhand smoke. They die from secondhand smoke," said Students Working Against Tobacco student MaryAnn Dutcher.
She hopes that anyone who saw the crosses also got the message.
"I hope a smoker will realize how dangerous it is and how much it really effects themselves and others. To realize what it's doing to the community. And what it's doing to everyone else around them."
It's all been possible because of the City of Lawton's collaboration with SWAT and the city's desire to bring attention to the ever growing problem that doctors say makes Oklahoma one of the least healthiest states.
"It's just a day to bring publicity to that. To make people aware. Maybe if people can stop smoking for one day or stop chewing tobacco, maybe they'll continue it on and get off smoking and tobacco chewing," said Mayor John Purcell.
SWAT's slogan this year is: If not for yourself, then for someone you love. The students said that message means if you're not trying to quit for your own health, then do it for the sake of everyone else.
SWAT is directing tobacco-users to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. There they can get a free eight-week supply of gum or patches to quit.
