Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski announced today that the department was proud to receive two Emmy Awards from the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

"We are extremely proud that the Michigan Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have chosen to recognize our anti-smoking efforts," Olszewski said. "The campaign has effectively communicated the real danger of secondhand smoke to children, and encouraged people to take advantage of the free information available to help them quit smoking for good."

The awards, in both the Commercial Promo/Public Service Announcement Writing category and the Public Service Announcement Regional category, were recently announced.

The award-winning spot titled, "It’s Like They’re Smoking", vividly depicts the reality of secondhand smoke and its effects on children. The radio version of the spot also was awarded a 2005 Radio-Mercury Award, which recognizes and rewards the creators of Radio’s best commercials, earlier this year.

Since the campaign began, the Michigan Department of Community Health has distributed approximately 100,000 free Quit Kits to people throughout the state. The Quit Kits help smokers walk through the process of deciding to quit, preparing to quit, and then living as a non-smoker after they quit.

"It’s Like They’re Smoking" uses children to deliver the important message that secondhand smoke has serious and damaging effects on children. Brogan and Partners Convergence Marketing in Detroit created the spot. The New York State Health Department was so impressed with the quality and effectiveness of the Michigan Department of Community Health commercial that they are airing both the radio and television versions of the ad.

To obtain a free Smoker’s Quit Kit call 1-800-537-5666. Expectant Mother’s Quit Kits are also available to women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and want to learn the benefits of quitting smoking.

Quit Kits are available online.

For free help in quitting, call toll free 1-800-480-7848 for counseling assistance.