According to the North Carolina Youth Tobacco Survey conducted by the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the NC Department of Public Instruction in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 18% of North Carolina's middle school students and more than 38% of the state's high school students report using tobacco products.

Additionally, 10% of sixth graders and 45% of high school seniors in the state are tobacco users. The study estimates that at least 166,000 young people now under the age of 17 in North Carolina will die of a tobacco-related illness.

Survivors of tobacco-related illness make a lasting impression and a powerful contribution to programs that educate youth and adults about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Through their stories and personal testimony, survivors bring to life the pain and suffering caused by smoking and using spit tobacco better than any poster, pamphlet, or lecture.

• Survivors Presentation Information
• Tips for including survivors in prevention programs