NOT on Tobacco

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Not On Tobacco (N-O-T) can help solve the smoking problem among teenagers in West Virginia. Teens who smoke are at risk for developing a lifelong addiction that can cause serious health problems and cut years off their lives. Teenagers who want to stop smoking need help, and they don't always get it. Getting N-O-T into all of the schools in West Virginia will give teens that needed support.

N-O-T is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention

N-O-T in Action:

  • The objectives of the program include helping teenagers to:

    Stop using tobacco or;
    Reduce the amount they use;
    Increase healthy lifestyle behaviors (diet, exercise);
    Improve life management skills (dealing with stress, avoiding peer pressure).

  • N-O-T is researched and evaluation based.  It was specifically designed for teenagers by the American Lung Association in collaboration with researchers from the Prevention Research Center at WVU.
  • It includes a highly detailed ten-session core curriculum, with weekly meetings lasting approximately fifty minutes (less than one class in a block schedule).
  • Uses diverse instruction methods (e.g. small group discussion, journal activities, role playing and handouts.)
  • Reinforces tobacco reduction as a benefit if students do not succeed in quitting.
  • N-O-T is a voluntary, non-punitive program that is aimed at the teens who want to quit smoking.

    As a part of the     N-O-T facilitator training, the facilitators also are trained in the ALA Alternative-to-Suspension program (ATS).  ATS is     a mandatory program for students who are being disciplined for violating school policy.
  • Both programs include free facilitator training and ongoing support by the American Lung Association.
  • The American Lung Association offers a $50 mini-grant per clinic to be used for supplies (refreshments, journals, goody-bags, etc.). 
  • After the ALA receives the needed evaluation packets and paperwork, the facilitators receive a $250 stipend for the N-O-T program and up to $100 for the ATS program..
  • Evaluation results show that NOT works!

    22% of participants were smoke-free six months after the program ended.
    Of those who continued to smoke, 65% reduced their smoking on weekdays, and 75% on weekends.
    85% believed N-O-T helped them alter their smoking behavior. 
    Nearly 90% either quit or reduced their smoking.

If you are a facilitator and need help talking to school administration to get a NOT group started in your area, please contact Tony Richards by email or call 1-800-LUNGUSA.  ALA staff is ready and willing to talk to anyone to get N-O-T in West Virginia schools.