Winner of the UAPB/MISRGO/SOS Soccer Contest Talks About Quitting Smoking

The Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office (MISRGO) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Stamp Out Smoking (SOS) has successfully completed a public education initiative to encourage Hispanic men to quit smoking by giving away a sweepstakes package for four to a soccer game in Dallas, Texas.  The initiative was entitled “Be the best man you can be, for you and your family! Smoke-free!”

MISRGO/UAPB and SOS in partnership with Univision Arkansas announced the Grand Prize Winner Friday, July 12, on-the-air.  Mr. Alejandro Garcia and his family won four tickets to a soccer game in Dallas, Texas this fall; a one night stay in a Dallas hotel; and a $100 gas card.

Monica:  Mr. Alejandro, why did you decide to call the hotline for this promotion?

Alejandro:  Well, first and foremost, to quit smoking, because I smoke.

Monica:  Why do you want to quit?

Alejandro:  First, for my health and also for my family to be healthy.

Monica:  Does your family like that you smoke?

Alejandro:  My wife says it smells bad.  Laughter.

Monica:  There is also a law, Act 811, that says you can't smoke in the car with children under the age of 14.

Alejandro:  I didn't know that, but now I do.

Monica:  So what are you going to do to help you quit smoking?

Alejandro:  I'm not going to carry cigarettes with me; I'm going to avoid areas where people are smoking; and I'm going to use patches to help me quit.

Monica:  How do you feel about winning the trip?

Alejandro:  Happy!  My family is excited too.

Monica:  Is there anything you would like to say to our audience.

Alejandro:  Nothing more than let's quit smoking for the health of our community.