ETS / Archive
This committee works on multiple projects to encourage parents to provide a smoke-free environment for their children. Information is provided in a variety of ways.
"Not in Mama's Kitchen"
"Not in Mama's Kitchen" kicked off in Knox County, Tennessee in the summer of 2003. This program, created by National Tobacco Advocate Brenda Bell Caffee, is specifically designed to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke by encouraging African American women to prohibit smoking in their homes and cars. The program is created around a family model familiar to many with generations together at mealtime and a healthy respect for "mama". It is a faith-based program.
A steering committee of thirteen women from various walks of life was assembled to assist in the implementation of the program. The NIMK Steering Committee identified 16 African American churches to participate in thefirst year of the program. Ministers from those churches identified a Tobacco Education Specialist from their congregation. These Tobacco Education Specialists, along with community members, were invited to a "Hat Chat" luncheon to hear first hand from Ms. Caffee how they could implement "Not in Mama's Kitchen" in their own church.
The Tobacco Education Specialists received "Not In Mama's Kitchen" tote bags with pledge cards, and a tobacco prevention policy guide "Tobacco Prevention and the African American Church". Women who agreed to sign the pledge card received a 10-minute phone card. Free cessation classes will be offered for those congregation members and their family members who would like to quit smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy or Zyban medication will be provided to the first 30 participants who register for the cessation classes for a $5.00 co-pay.
Click here for pictures of the event and here for the commitment card used at the event, and an article about the event that appeared in the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Car Wash
A Smoke-Free Knoxville car wash was held in June 2002 hosted by Babies R Us. Individuals who signed a smoke-free pledge card received a free car wash and breathing space static stickers for their vehicle and home. Car wash participants also received a complimentary issue of the Knoxville News Sentinel paper and discount coupons to a local department store. Car wash supplies were provided by Target.
Hospital Maternity Unit Project
In April 2002, the Home & Car campaign provided Nurses Training for the five major
hospitals in Knoxville. This training provided facility maternity nurses an
opportunity to learn how to assess the status of secondhand smoke of their new
mothers and to educate them about the harmful effets secondhand smoke exposure
has on their newborns. If the maternity patient agreed to not smoke around their
infant, they would sign a pledge card (see below) and receive a "breathing space" static
sticker for their home and car. Patients who do smoke will be counseled in a
nonjudgemental way and provided information on secondhand smoke. Every pregnant
woman delivering in a Knoxville hospital will be assessed.
