Texas Border Business
Harlingen, TX – The Tobacco Prevention and Control Coalition covering Cameron and Willacy counties, in collaboration with Foot Works Harlingen, organized the first annual “Stomp Out Tobacco” 5K on Saturday, August 14th at the Harlingen Sports Park. The event aimed to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, including e-cigs and vapes, and to engage the community in showing their support for a smoke-free environment. Over 70 runners participated and received a t-shirt and medal commemorating their efforts.
According to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, tobacco use is responsible for over 28,000 deaths in Texas alone. “Smoking kills more people than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined — and thousands more die from other tobacco-related causes,” says tobacco prevention specialist Marcus Puente. “Smoking costs Texans a staggering $8.85 billion in health care costs every year. Getting people to quit using tobacco is potentially the biggest public health benefit ever.”
Jomon Cunanan, owner of Foot Works Harlingen, says he was inspired by the Coalition and their mission and wanted to help. “It’s important everyone learns about the dangers of cigarettes and tobacco, especially the youth,” he said.
The mission of Behavioral Health Solutions is to provide a multilevel approach inclusive of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery to reduce substance abuse and related co-existing conditions in our communities, encourage healthier lifestyles related to at-risk public health behaviors, and promote stronger families.
For more information about the Tobacco Prevention and Control Coalition or Behavioral Health Solutions, or to become a volunteer, please visit our website at www.bhsst.org. You can also join our efforts through our social media at Facebook.com/bhsofsouthtexas, Twitter.com/bhsst, or Instagram.com/bhs_st.
