Mel Kohn Quotations

Simply telling people to eat less and exercise more is not enough. Decades of tobacco prevention efforts have taught us that focusing on an individual's behavior ignores the fact that we all make choices within a broader social, environmental, and public policy context.

DHS' role is that of a steward of data about the use of the law. This is a law, not a DHS program, and our only legal role is to report accurate aggregate data about the use of the law. It is critical that we have accurate data so that informed ethical, legal and medical decisions can be made.

So think about that as an opportunity for intervention. Perhaps there were some cues that were missed.

This is something we need to do a lot more talking about.

Once again, our report shows little change in the demographics and characteristics among those who are using this law. And again, these deaths reflect a very small portion of the average 31,000 annual deaths in Oregon.

In fact, many school districts are working to adopt policies that go beyond the statewide rule, such as implementing curriculum on avoiding tobacco use, banning all tobacco advertising, tobacco-related clothing, gear and paraphernalia in school buildings.