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Health Services Agency (HSA) will be holding a news conference on Thursday,
August 19, at 11:00 a.m. to announce the results of its recent youth tobacco
survey. The survey involved minors attempting to buy tobacco products at
stores throughout Stanislaus County.
The conference will be in the main conference room of the
Health Services Agency located at 830 Scenic Drive in Modesto (the former
Stanislaus Medical Center building).
A 1995 HSA survey indicated that nearly 54% of Stanislaus County stores
which sell tobacco, would illegally sell to minors. The survey was done
with a sampling of 155 stores throughout Stanislaus County.
The Tobacco Education Program of the HSA recently completed a similar
survey to see if there has been any change in compliance. Results show
a dramatic change to only 12% of businesses selling to minors.
The HSA plans to report these findings in detail at the conference.
Children who participated in the survey will be present at the news conference
to answer questions and share their experiences in attempting to successfully
and unsuccessfully purchase cigarettes and tobacco products.
Public Health Officer Dr. Alvaro Garza will share information from the
perspective of tobacco health risks to the public.
For additional information, please contact David Jones (209) 558-5636.
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