"Don't Spit On Your Dreams" is the slogan for "Lose The Chew Week" which will be held from February 21st through the 25th with the "Quit Day" on the 24th.

The HSA is partnering with Brenden Theatres in Modesto to show "Lose the Chew" movie trailers throughout the week on all screens. There will be educational information, giveaways and health educators in the Brenden lobby on Friday, February 25th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The large screen in the lobby will also show top TV ads about chew/spit tobacco.

Modesto Junior College Health Services is also participating. The MJC Library has the "Truth about Tobacco Quilt" on exhibit. This quilt was created from conflicting images of tobacco industry tee shirts and photographs of the visual effects of using tobacco products – oral cancer, dental disease, etc. On February 22nd in the MJC Founders Hall, Room 127 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. there will be a "Chew/Spit Tobacco is Not a

Safe Alternative to Smoking" presentation for those who chew or have a friend that uses. On the Quit Day, Thursday, February 24th the public can visit either of two Resource Tables at MJC: one will be at the Student Center from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and the other in the Agriculture Building Lobby from 1:00 -2:30 p.m. Information will be available for those who will try to quit for the day or for concerned friends who would like to adopt a chewer for the day.

The Dave Thomas "Morning Express" program will be featuring guests on Friday February 25 from 7:00 -8:00 a.m on KFIV 1360 to discuss chewing tobacco. Guests will include: Ross Payson, the Dental Health Foundation Project Director who successfully developed this campaign last year; April Scott, the California Coordinator of National Spit Tobacco Education Program; Donna Phillips, Health Education Assistant and Cessation Facilitator from Health Services Agency; an Ex-Chewer; a current Chewer; a concerned Friend of a Chewer; and a Dentist.

People wishing to obtain a Quit Kit can visit one of the above locations, a local branch of the Stanislaus County Library or call the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, Tobacco Education Program at (209) 558-6053. People who would like information on how to quit smoking can call the Tobacco Chewers' Helpline number at 1-800-844-CHEW.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency (HSA) is an outpatient medical system with 9 medical offices located throughout Stanislaus County. The HSA operates the Public Health Department, an Urgent Care Center and multiple programs serving over 400,000 patients and clients each year in Stanislaus County. The HSA has extensive community health information available at its web site www.schsa.org