The Bismarck Tobacco Free Coalition is kicking off its 3rd Annual Tobacco Prevention Youth Summit today at the Ramkota Inn from noon to 3 p.m.

About 70 students from Bismarck High School, Century High School, St. Mary's High School, South Central High School, Horizon Middle School, Simle Middle School and Wachter Middle School will be attending. The goal of the summit is to educate the students about the latest information on how the tobacco industry markets to youth and the effects of secondhand smoke. There will be a presention by Sue Kahler and Pat McGeary on how the tobacco industry targets youth through advertisement placements in tobacco stores. There will be another presentation by Michelle Walker focusing on the need to have smoke free homes and cars. According to a 2006 surgeon general's report, there is no risk free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Bismarck Tobacco Free Coalition wants to decrease the recruitment of youth as new smokers. They want to make sure tobacco retailers act in a responsible manner that consistently acknowledges the dangers associated with tobacco. According to the Bismarck Tobacco Free Coalition, research has shown that each day more than 4,000 youth under the age of 18 try smoking for the first time. Nearly 90 percent of smokers started smoking before the age of 18. By reducing tobacco ads, youth will be less likely to try to buy tobacco at particular stores and also be less likely to start a lifetime addiction to tobacco, according to the coalition.

There are many activities included in the summit. There is a award presented to schools that have a comprehensive tobacco prevention policy. The Gold Star Award is an honor given when a school follows all the procedures in obtaining full tobacco prevention. Schools must offer tobacco prevention education, tobacco-free buildings and tobacco information.

The summit hopes to involve students in working with the school tobacco prevention coordinator in the creation of their activities for Great American Smoke Out on Nov. 15 and Kick Butts Day on April 2, 2008.

For more information dealing with the summit, contact the Bismarck Tobacco Free Coalition at 355-1594.