(SALT LAKE CITY) – As patrons enter the restrooms behind section 124 at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, they’ll be greeted by a red velvet rope with a sign that reads, “The TRUTH: Perspectives on Deadly Tobacco.” It’s the entrance to a new Utah Department of Health (UDOH) exhibit that paints a vivid portrait of tobacco’s painful consequences.
For example, one stall is completely black inside, with a plaque that describes the effect of tobacco smoke on the lungs. Another display is at a soap dispenser, which appears to be covered in tar. A nearby sign details what’s really behind the yellow tar stains that often develop on the fingers and nails of smokers.
“We were looking for a unique way to tell Utahns just how tobacco makes you sick,” said Janae Duncan, UDOH Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. “People don’t expect to see messages like this in a bathroom, and we hope they’ll resonate as reasons to never start tobacco or to quit it for good.”
Maverik Center visitors will also find two columns in the arena designed to look like giant cigarettes being stamped out. “They’re 12 feet tall and right on the concourse, so they’re sure to grab people’s attention and get them talking, which is exactly what we want,” Duncan said.
Alll the displays also provide information on free and confidential quit resources like the Utah Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) and www.UtahQuitNet.com.
“Maverik Center is excited to partner with the Utah Department of Health to display this creative messaging, which is certain to penetrate the minds of our patrons as to the dangers of tobacco,” said Andrew Carroll, Maverik Center Chief Marketing Officer.
For the exhibit opening, UDOH is giving away tickets to the Grizzlies’ final two home games of the season. Utahns who have quit or tried to quit tobacco, and who share their story on Tobacco Free Utah’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/tobaccofreeUT, will receive five free tickets for their efforts.
Media Contact:
Janae Duncan
Tobacco Prevention and Control Program
(801) 538-9273
