Branches to help promote No Smoking Day through local media campaigns
A media campaign highlighting how pharmacists can help smokers who are serious about stopping is being co-ordinated through the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's branch public relations officers (BPROs) to coincide with No
Smoking Day on 8 March.
The theme for No Smoking Day 2006 is “Serious about stopping? You
can do it!” The campaign will focus on the detrimental health effects
to smokers and members of their family, as well as other key messages.
The BPRO media campaign centres on a press release sent to local and
regional media across Britain by the Society’s public relations
unit. It includes a quote attributed to the local BPRO and invites journalists
to run stories about No Smoking Day and contact the BPRO for expert pharmacy
advice.
“This local publicity will help spread the message that community
pharmacists are key players in the battle to help people who are serious
about stopping
smoking,” the Society says.
No Smoking Day, now in its 23rd year, is run by a charity of the same
name. Its chief executive, Ben Youdan, said: “Pharmacists are one
of the most important sources of help for the millions of smokers who
stop smoking on No Smoking Day. We are delighted that the Society has
launched this media campaign to raise awareness of the help pharmacists
can offer to smokers, right from the heart of the community. Many already
have a rapport with customers and can provide the friendly encouragement
and advice smokers need.”
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