Expert to talk story about smoke-free workplaces
Nonprofits with communication or PR campaigns to change community behavior and attitudes about social issues are invited to attend the October Public Relations Society of America meeting looking at the campaign strategies involved in accomplishing community change regarding smoking behavior.
Hawaii's recent ban on smoking in bars and restaurants ignited comment, controversy and consternation. PRSA's October speaker, Dr. Dileep Bal, has been at the center of the workplace smoking debate for more than two decades. He was an architect of California's landmark campaign, is now district health officer for Kauai and serves as special advisor to the director of the Department on Cancer, Chronic Disease, Tobacco and Nutrition.
Dr. Bal is also a clinical professor at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. He will show examples of award-winning public service announcements. Julian D. Lipsher, the head of Hawaii's tobacco-control program, also will be available to answer questions. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and the program will start at 12:15 p.m. at the Plaza Club, 900 Fort Street Mall, Suite 2000, Honolulu. Parking is available at Harbor Court Municipal Parking -- entrance on Bethel Street -- or at The Plaza Club.
Cost is $30 for PRSA members, $35 for PRSA national members, $40 for non-members and $25 for PRSSA students. To register, email prsahawaii@gmail.com. Visit www.prsahawaii.com for updates or, for more information, contact Programs Chair, Penny Pence Smith, at (808) 566-2423.
Dr. Dileep Bal has been with the State of Hawaii since 2005 and previously was the chief of the Cancer Control Branch within the California Department of Health Services responsible for Tobacco Control, Cancer Detection, Cancer Surveillance Section/California Cancer Registry, Cancer Prevention and Nutrition, and the Cancer Planning, Research and Disparities Section.
With the advent of Proposition 99, which added a 25-cent tax on each package of cigarettes sold in California, he became responsible for implementing California's tobacco control efforts, including the massive social marketing campaign using media advocacy and television ads. This tobacco use, prevention and cessation program is one of the largest of its kind in the world and has been universally acclaimed for its innovations and effectiveness. His branch budget was in excess of $250 million. Prior to his post in California, Dr. Bal served as director of the Pima County Health Department and on the full-time faculty of the University of Arizona, College of Medicine.
