School-Based Tobacco Control Initiative

AREUFIT Health Services, Inc, previously through funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is pleased to offer Chester, Montgomery, Delaware and Bucks County Elementary schools the Independence Blue Cross Do the SMART Thing^sm Youth Smoking Prevention program.  Geared toward students in the fifth grade, this program educates children about the dangers of smoking by demonstrating its harmful effects on the body.

What is the Do the SMART Thing^sm(DTST) Program?

Geared toward students in the fifth grade, this “hands on” program educates children about the dangers of smoking by demonstrating its harmful effects on the body.  This program is 45 minutes in length for each fifth grade class.  Included is a presentation in the classroom, as well as on our thirty three foot mobile facility.  The van component includes an interactive scavenger hunt, while the classroom component reinforces active participation and critical thinking through discussion and the use of REAL PIG’S LUNGS.  Children are encouraged to sign a pledge to stay smoke-free and be a healthy role model for other students. Through pre and post tests distributed before and after the program, this evidence-based program has had measured success since 2002.

Contact Alesha Hruska-Snyder at 610-993-9123 to bring the program to your school.

How do I book it?

The program can be booked at your school Monday through Friday at a time that is convenient for your 5^th grade.  Call the AREUFIT office at 610-993-9123 and ask to speak to Alesha Hruska-Snyder for more information and pricing.  We will work with you to ensure all your specific needs and concerns are met.

Please have the following information available when making requests:

• School name, address and phone number
• The name of a contact person (usually the nurse or 5^th grade teacher) and phone number if different then the school.
• Exact # of  5^th graders
• # of 5^th grade classrooms
• Time school starts, lunchtime/recess and time of dismissal

When do I book it?

To ensure that your school can be scheduled at a time that is most convenient for you, we recommend booking the program at least 3 months in advance.

Facts about the DTST Program

• Between December 2002 and May 2008 we have visited 59 different schools, impacting 12,249 5^th graders in Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties combined.
• Chester county comprised 10,900 of that total in 39 different schools
• Delaware county comprised 411 of the total in 8 schools
• Montgomery County comprised 938 of the total in 11 schools

Schools that the program has visited:

Chester County:

Montgomery County:

Delaware County: