OSU plans “Project 1200” for National Kick Butts Day

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

(March 25, 2008   Stillwater, OK) - Statistics show that 1,200 Americans die each day from health problems caused by tobacco use and secondhand smoke. To illustrate the tragic extent of the problem, public health proponents at Oklahoma State University have organized “Kick Butts Day” on Wednesday, April 2. In the formal gardens, across from the OSU Library lawn, 1,200 pairs of shoes will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Provost Marlene Strathe will read an official proclamation at 11:30 a.m.

“It’s one thing to say that a certain number people die, but you really get a feel for it when you see all those pairs of shoes, start to visualize someone standing there in each pair and try to realize we lose that many people every day to tobacco,” said Robin Purdie, director of the OSU Seretean Wellness Center that is teaming with University Health Services to participate in the National Kick Butts Day initiative.

Those who come to view the shoes will also have an opportunity to use a message board to include a story, a quote or a fact about how tobacco use has personally affected them. Commercials will also be played that highlight the adverse health consequences of tobacco.

“We call this ‘Project 1200,’ and we want it to attract some attention and perhaps wake some people up about the dangers of tobacco use,” Purdie said. “At the same time, we hope it will foster more understanding as to why Oklahoma State University has decided to become a tobacco free zone as of July 1st.”

In case of rain, the project will be moved inside the Student Union.

Organizers are also asking those who have lost a loved one because of tobacco use to e-mail their stories to wellness@okstate.edu.

Each of the 1,200 pairs of shoes will be donated to charity following the day-long event.

For more information, please contact Yvon Fils-Aime, OSU tobacco health educator, at 405-744-2745 or e-mail wellness@okstate.edu. For more information about quitting tobacco, go to www.freedomfromsmoking.org , call 1-800-quit-now (1-800-784-8669) or 405-744-2745.