Orange County, Florida - receives $6.6 million grant to prevent tobacco usage..

March 20, 2010 - The Orange County Health Department got a boost in resources through a major wellness initiative on Friday, March 19th.

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Each day in the U.S., about 4,000 children ages 12 to 17 try their first cigarette, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention is an uphill battle for health officials, and the Orange County Health Department just received a $6.6 million federal grant to prevent tobacco usage. The grant is part of first lady Michelle Obama’s platform on the prevention of childhood obesity and tobacco usage.

U.S. Surgeon Gen. Dr. Regina Benjamin was on hand for the announcement on Friday.
“Orange County, Fla., has just over 1 million people, and every day someone dies from lung cancer,” Benjamin said.

Health officials said they realize the changes won’t happen overnight, but working with partners they can improve the health of central Floridians.

Reference: Local County Given $6.6M Grant For Smoking Prevention Orange County Health Department Given Federal Grant To Prevent Tobacco Usage, WESH.com-2, 3/19/2010.