Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Page 13
Oregon top
in tobacco
reduction
The latest data on tobacco
released last month shows
Oregonians outpacing the na-
tional average in reducing to-
bacco use.
Since 1996, overall ciga-
rette consumption is down by
almost 30 percent, a far
steeper reduction than the rest
of the nation. Young males are
chewing tobacco considerably
less and pregnant women are
also smoking less.
“Oregon’s comprehensive
tobacco prevention and educa-
tion program is a program that
clearly gets results,” said Jean
I. Thorne, director, Oregon
Dept. of Human Services
(DHS).
The DHS Tobacco Pre-
vention and Education Pro-
gram biennial report docu-
ments 2,600 fewer 11th-grade
males chewing tobacco today
than in 1997. The rate dropped
from almost 28 percent in
1997 to 12.5 percent in 2002 -
a 45 percent decline compared
to the national reduction of 20
percent.
The report also sows a 28
percent drop in smoking
among pregnant women be-
tween 1996 and 2001 - a de-
cline almost three times the
national rate.
“This translates into tre-
mendous savings for Oregon,”
said Thorne. “The program’s
current success results in sav-
ings of almost $40 million a
year in direct medical costs.
And abut $10 million of these
savings are in Oregon Health
Plan costs.”
Dr. Mel A. Kohn, state
epidemiologist, added that the
current reduction in smoking
among pregnant women alone
results in 57 fewer low birth
weight babies annually and
saves more than $1 million
every year in neonatal medical
costs.
“Since voters dedicated
tobacco taxes to tobacco pre-
vention in 1996, Oregon has
made considerable progress,”
said Kohn. “Now that the pro-
gram has been suspended until
June 30, 2003, to balance the
state budget, it’s important
that tobacco prevention efforts
are up and running again as
soon as possible so Oregon
can maintain its current suc-
cess, and savings.”
Bill protects
Ore. soldiers
House Bill 3601, which
will establish rights of persons
called into active state service
has unanimously passed out of
the House Rules and Public
Affairs Committee.
The goal of the bill is to
make it easier for Oregon Na-
tional Guard members to tran-
sition when they are called
into active duty for more than
90 days.
“Our National Guard
members offer such an in-
credible service to this state, I
believe we need to make sure
they are able to take care of
issues they might have at
home when they are required
to serve the state,” said Rep.
Patti Smith (R-Corbelt) who
sponsored the bill.
Specifically, HB 3601
allows National Guard mem-
bers called to active duty to
change their rental agreement,
offers relief for debt and
grants a stay from any civil
court proceedings while they
are on active duty.
In November last year
federal legislation was enacted
which gave U.S. National
Guard members relief while
serving under federal deploy-
ment; HB 3601 simply gives
Oregon servicemen and
women protection while they
serve within our state.
I.V. SENIOR BAZAAR - The Illinois Valley Senior Center held its annual Spring Bazaar on Fri-
day and Saturday, April 11 and 12. The event included 17 craft tables featuring a variety of
handmade items. The dolls pictured above were just one of the numerous creations offered.
Food including hamburgers, hot dogs and baked goods were also sold.
JoCo residents sought for advisory council
Senior citizens and com-
munity members interested in
becoming a member of the
Senior Advisory Council for
Jackson and Josephine coun-
ties are being sought.
The 21 person council,
which serves as an advisory
body to the Rogue Valley
Council of Governments,
speaks on behalf of seniors
and advises and assists the
RVCOG Board in developing
and implementing services for
seniors in Jackson and Jose-
phine counties.
Persons who are interested
in helping with the senior nu-
trition program and with re-
source development are
strongly encouraged to apply.
The council meets at 1:30
p.m. on the third Tuesday of
each month at the Rogue
River Fire Hall. Members are
reimbursed for mileage when
attending meetings.
Persons interested in ap-
plying can obtain applications
by phoning 474-5947/664-
6676/779-6785, ext. 226.
The application deadline
is on Friday, May 2.
The news is in - Many
‘Illinois Valley News’
readers have enjoyed
taking a trip down
memory lane with
‘Remember When?’
To see it continue, more old
photographs with
descriptions included, are
needed. To submit a photo,
come to the ‘Noose’ office
on Mondays or Fridays.
RAMCELL NOW AVAILABLE AT
DARN NEAR EVERYTHING
136 South Redwood Hwy. 592-5255
Current Ramcell customers
FREE upgrades, phones & promos!
Free phone with charger - Free activation
Affordable packages to suit you
No roaming charges - 10 states
$
AL’S SURPLUS BOX SALES
$
18254 Redwood Hwy.
(Look for the big yellow tent)
Open Thursdays through Saturdays - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Some Sundays - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HUNDREDS & HUNDREDS OF BOXES
(Adding new boxes constantly)
Announcing
that a very special person,
Treana Carrier
has graduated from
Thomson High School this year,
(while taking care of her new baby)
We Love You,
Your Family
Store returns, damaged, broken cases,
Come prepared to DIG!
Nice selection of groceries - Great prices!
Kellogg’s and General Mills Cereals
Starting at $1.25 per box.
Buy 3 boxes, get 1 box FREE!
(Free box of equal or lesser value)
GREAT DEALS! SOMETHIING FOR EVERYONE!
NO CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS, PLEASE.