February 15, 2006

Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski today announced that the department had won the prestigious “Best in Show” for Radio Award from the Mobius Awards, an international forum that recognizes creative excellence in advertising and media.

“We are honored that our efforts to raise awareness on the importance of quitting smoking have been recognized as the best in advertising,” Olszewski said. “This campaign has effectively communicated the danger of secondhand smoke to children and encouraged people to take advantage of the free information available to them to help them quit smoking.”

The Mobius Awards, found at www.mobiusawards.com, attracted entries from 34 countries and is the oldest independent ad competition in the world. In addition to the prestigious “Best In Show” win for “It’s Like They’re Smoking,” the department took first place in the Public Service Announcement for Radio category.

The award-winning commercial vividly depicts the reality of secondhand smoke and its effects on children. The radio version of the spot was previously awarded a 2005 Radio-Mercury Award, a Gold Caddy Award from the Detroit Creative Directors Council, a New York Festivals Finalist Certificate, a 2005 Global Award finalist, and a Silver Award from the Health Information Resource Center.

The television version of the spot was previously awarded two Emmy awards from the Michigan Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a Silver Caddy Award from the Detroit Creative Directors Council and a 2005 Global Award.

“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 is airing both the radio and television commercials and North Carolina has shown interest in airing them as well.

To obtain a free Smoker’s Quit Kit, please 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 at www.michigan.gov/tobacco and by clicking on “Free Smoker’s Quit Kit” or “Expectant Mother’s Quit Kit.”

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