Alberta Health Services honour exceptional contributions in tobacco reduction at Barb Tarbox Awards of Excellence

May 28, 2009

EDMONTON – Albertans who made an outstanding contribution to tobacco reduction were celebrated at the Barb Tarbox Awards of Excellence ceremony.The seventh annual awards were presented to individuals, businesses and non-profit groups that made a significant impact in the area of tobacco prevention, cessation, reduction or protection from second-hand smoke during the past year. In addition, a $2,500 youth scholarship and a youth recognition award honoured Albertans under the age of 18 who made positive contributions to tobacco reduction in their community.

“I congratulate these Albertans for their passion and dedication to reducing tobacco use across the province,” said Cathy Pryce, Alberta Health Services Vice President – Addiction and Mental Health. “Through their hard work and commitment, they have truly helped build stronger communities and a healthier Alberta.”

The 2009 award recipients include a youth baseball team that developed a unique public awareness program on the harmful effects of spit tobacco use and a non-profit group that works to reduce tobacco use within the Aboriginal community.

The awards and scholarship fund were established to honour the legacy of Barb Tarbox, the anti-smoking crusader, who passed away in 2003 after battling lung cancer caused by smoking. During the last few months of her life, Barb spoke to more than 50,000 students across Canada about the dangers of smoking.

“Barb Tarbox will always be remembered for her courage and conviction to help prevent others, especially young people, from experiencing the devastating effects of tobacco use.” said Pryce. “Her legacy continues to inspire people and encourage them to continue working towards a healthy, tobacco-free future.”

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable illness, disability and premature death in Alberta. Each year, more than 3,000 Albertans die from tobacco-related disease. It is estimated that the annual cost of tobacco use to the Alberta economy is more than $1.8 billion in health-care costs, lost productivity and other costs.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.5 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Melissa Lovatt, Communications Consultant
Alberta Health Services
Work: 780-415-8879 Cell: 780-909-7059
e-mail: melissa.lovatt@aadac.gov.ab.ca

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May 28, 2009

Winners of the 2009 Barb Tarbox Awards of Excellence in Tobacco Reduction

EDMONTON – To honour the legacy of Barb Tarbox, Alberta Health Services annually recognizes individuals, youth, businesses and non-profit groups that have made significant contributions in the area of tobacco prevention, cessation, reduction or protection from second-hand smoke in Alberta. The recipients of the 2009 Barb Tarbox Awards of Excellence in Tobacco Reduction are:

Business Award: Fyfe’s Friendly Value Drug Mart

Fyfe’s Friendly Value Drug Mart in Barrhead is truly ahead of the times – 15 years ahead of the times. Fifteen years ago, the owners of Fyfe’s decided that as a pharmacy dedicated to the health and well-being of its customers that selling tobacco products was counter to this goal and as such stopped selling tobacco products. This decision came 15 years before government legislation legally banned the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. In their forward thinking, this 61-year-old family business has demonstrated true leadership in helping to reduce tobacco use in their community and an admirable commitment to the health and well-being of Albertans.

Non-profit Award: Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre

The Canadian Native Friendship Centre in Lac La Biche has worked tirelessly in a variety of ways to encourage the prevention and cessation of tobacco use in the area. Their tobacco reduction program has been busy delivering presentations to elementary school students, developing displays and public awareness campaigns and organizing poster contests and other activities. The Centre also works with the Aboriginal community to promote awareness of the sacred use of tobacco to youth and through the local Aboriginal Tobacco Advisory Council, to support adults to quit or reduce their tobacco use.

Individual Award: Diane Webster and Vi Madison

Diane Webster and Vi Madison have been the backbone of Camrose Tobacco Reduction Coalition since its inception in 2002. The original goal of the coalition was to get a smoking bylaw passed in Camrose. While this goal was achieved in 2003, Diane and Vi took their commitment to tobacco reduction even further, turning their attention to cessation and protection from second-hand smoke. They assembled and distributed hundreds of quit kits to local pharmacies. These kits contain valuable information and tools to help people quit smoking. They also provided every local business in Camrose with information and signage on the new Tobacco Reduction Act that was passed in the province. These resources not only helped encourage compliance with the act, but also helped protect Camrose citizens from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Diane and Vi’s tireless efforts have all been done voluntarily out of a sincere commitment to help make Camrose a healthier community. Working together they have demonstrated how determination and perseverance can truly make a difference.

Individual Award: Barbara Gitzel

As a clinical professor in the dental hygiene program at the University of Alberta, tobacco reduction has become an integral part of Barbara Gitzel’s job. She teaches oral health education to senior dental hygiene students, co-directs the University’s Tobacco Cessation Program and serves as a student advisor. While tobacco reduction is part of her profession, it has also become her passion. Outside her work with the university, Barbara gives presentations in oral health and the impact of tobacco use to health-care professionals and also serves as a facilitator for a unique cessation program in Alberta. Barbara has presented at the International Conference on Tobacco or Health in India and volunteered to deliver a four-week workplace cessation program. Barbara’s enthusiasm and passion for tobacco reduction have helped promote the importance of tobacco reduction and oral health.

Youth Recognition Award: Vauxhall Academy of Baseball

The Vauxhall Academy of Baseball has hit a home run for tobacco reduction. Concerned about spit tobacco use among its teams, some of the players developed a program called Pitch Your Tin which isdesigned to raise awareness about the harmful effects of spit tobacco use. The eight players, volunteered their time, researched spit tobacco, developed a slogan, logos and promotional items to use in the campaign. This group also delivered a presentation to hundreds of students in their community. The program promoted resiliency in youth and players, helping to reduce the risks of spit tobacco use. At such a young age, these players have demonstrated leadership, positive role modeling and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. With their hard work in developing the Pitch Your Tin program they have made a true impact on the young people in their community to make healthy, positive choices.

Youth Scholarship: Kara Unruh

As the team leader, Kara Unruh led a group of players from the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball through the development and implementation of the Pitch Your Tin program. The success of the program, which is designed to raise awareness of the harms of spit tobacco use, can directly be attributed to Kara. Kara coordinated with the program sponsors, coaches and players to ensure everyone was up to date. She volunteered many hours on top of her demanding school work to ensure this program was successful. Through Kara’s hard work, dedication and leadership, the Pitch Your Tin program has significantly impacted many youth, players and members of the community.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Melissa Lovatt, Communications Consultant
Alberta Health Services
Work: 780-415-8879 Cell: 780-909-7059
e-mail: melissa.lovatt@aadac.gov.ab.ca