We are writing to invite you/your organization to participate in a new, nationwide campaign against tobacco being launched by the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It is well known that the tobacco industry targets women and girls to smoke
with appeals to beauty, glamour, independence and weight control in its
advertising and promotions. And sadly, their marketing strategy works.
Twenty-five million American women and one outof every four girls under the age
of 18 smoke. As a result, tobacco use kills 140,000 women a year in this country
and is the nation's number one cause of preventable disease and death among
American women.
To counter the tobacco industry's efforts, AMWA is fighting back. In 1994, AMWA received a grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to initiate a three-year tobacco control project specifically focused on women and girls. We're calling this effort The Strategic Coalition of Girls and Women United Against Tobacco.
The goal of the Coalition is to reduce the number of women and girls using tobacc products and thereby reduce needless illness and death from tobacco use. The Coalition will work towards realizing this goal through educational and media efforts aimed at heightening public awareness. We will also be informing and encouraging people to become active in tobacco control efforts in their states and local communities.
But, we can't do it alone. We need the involvement of others. We know that
other individuals and organizations are fed up with the tobacco industry's
success in getting millions of girls and women hooked on a deadly, addictive
product. Please join us in this effort. Your participation for the first year of
the project will simply mean that you agree to receive information from us and
share it with your members or others. A fact sheet with further information
about participating in the Coalition has been enclosed for your consideration.
We very much look forward to your participation in the Strategic Coalition of Girls and Women United Against Tobacco. To participate, simply complete and return the enclosed form as soon as possible and we will add you/your organization to the Coalition's mailing list. If you have any questions, or would like more information, please call Felicia Bloom or Liz Pejeau at AMWA, (703)838-0500. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request. Together, we can make a significant difference in improving the health and well being of women and girls nationwide.
Sincerely,Michele Bloch, MD, PhD
Executive Director
Chair, Tobacco Control Subcommittee