(SALT LAKE CITY) – If you’re ready to quit using tobacco products and want to share your story with Utah, now is your chance. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) Tobacco Prevention and Control Program (TPCP) is hosting a casting call to recruit current Utah tobacco users for its new, statewide reality TV campaign, ‘Be A Quitter.’
Anyone who is thinking about quitting in 2013 can visit www.beaquitterutah.com and tell their story in 250 words or less for a chance to star in the commercials. Those who do will receive extra quit support and motivation, and will be an inspiration to others who are trying to quit.
Participants will receive a stipend plus a tablet device to help them document their quitting process, including struggles and successes, through social media and video updates. The campaign will cast 8-10 participants from across Utah who represent a range of ages and types of tobacco use.
The ‘cast’ will be taped once or twice a week for reality-style TV commercials that will be aired throughout the quit attempt process. They will also be asked to upload their own videos and social media posts to keep viewers updated on their progress. The group may also appear in news stories and documentaries about the Utah Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW) and www.UtahQuitNet.com that will include messages urging other tobacco users to join the fight.
Participants aged 18 years and older will agree to share their struggles and successes with the public as they try to quit tobacco, and give details about the effects, both good and bad, that quitting has had on them, their families, co-workers, and friends.
“Quitting for good is a hard thing to do and there are hurdles like relapsing, starting over on quitting, and finding alternatives to kick the habit,” said Amy Oliver, UDOH TPCP marketing manager. “We want this campaign to show tobacco users that they’re not alone in the quitting process and to encourage them to never give up.”
The television campaign, slated to begin airing in February 2013, will target the approximately 200,000 Utah adults who currently use tobacco.
Free resources are always available for people who want to quit tobacco. For help, call the Utah Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.UtahQuitNet.com.
Media Contacts:
Amy Oliver
Tobacco Prevention and Control Program
Janae Duncan
