February 18, 2003 Contact: Midy Aponte, (305) 573-9955, ext. 204
Orit Lender, (718) 356-8113

LOCAL REALITY CHECK TEENS PROTEST THE USE OF NYC IMAGES
IN INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS

New York City's Reality Check Chapter To Team Up With Local Health Groups And Encourage Stronger International Tobacco Policies Through The Framework Convention On Tobacco Control Treaty

WHAT: New York City's Reality Check will request that the US strengthen its stand on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) during a rally at the Brooklyn Bridge side of City Hall Park on Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at noon.

WHY: More than 150 countries are in Geneva for the 6th and final round of negotiations on the FCTC treaty. An international ban on advertising will influence tobacco marketing to young people in foreign countries as well as help reduce the staggering numbers of global death associated to tobacco related diseases.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 19, 200312:00 pm

WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge side of City Hall Park

SPEAKERS: · Peter Serrano of South Bronx Concerned Citizens Against Tobacco· Gilbert Maldonado, Reality Check Kings County Representative, Brooklyn· Reality Check youth · Anna White from DC-based activist group, Essential Action

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES TV news crews and newspaper photographers will be able to capture photo opportunities with Reality Check youth and dozens of activists from throughout the City will come together in support of a strong FCTC treaty. Visuals include gigantic banners and strongly worded posters accompanied by chants and messages from stage.

BACKGROUND: Reality Check is a youth-led anti-tobacco industry movement developed by the New York State Department of Health Tobacco Use Prevention Program. The movement encourages New York youth to fight the manipulative marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.

CONTACT: For information about Reality Check, contact Midy Aponte at (305) 573-9955, ext 204 or Orit Lender at (718) 356-8113.

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