Speakers will help 'kick tobacco's butt'

Next week, students from several Sanders County schools will be spending a day dedicated to "Kicking Tobacco's Butt."

Ronnie Trentham, a six-time oral, head and neck cancer survivor, will share his story on Tuesday, March 19 with students from Plains, Thompson Falls and Trout Creek. Trentham's presentation centers on the consequences of his own addiction to smokeless "chew" tobacco.

Trentham will be accompanied by Cherokee Nation storyteller Greg Bilby, who offers American Indian stories that focus on making good choices and eliminating use of commercial tobacco.

"Despite false claims from tobacco companies, there's no such thing as a safe tobacco product," said Sandra Gubel of Sanders County Public Health, who arranged for the guest speakers' visit during "Kick Butts Week."

According to the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 14 percent of Montana high school students used chewing tobacco, snuff or dip, which is higher than the national average of 9 percent. Results of the 2019 survey have not yet been released.

"Chew tobacco ranks second by Montana youth, behind the top tobacco trap, electronic "e-cigarettes," said Gubel. Ranking third, Montana young people use tobacco cigarettes.

Trentham and Bilby have made other trips to address Montana students. They call their visit the "Tobacco Tour." On this trip to the Treasure State from their homes in Oklahoma, they will visit at least eight other schools in Lake and Mineral counties.

The presentation to Plains students is set for the high school gym from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. The duo will address Thompson Falls grades 7-12 in the high school gym following their lunch period, starting at 12:25 p.m., and at the Trout Creek School gym at the end of the school day, beginning at 2:25 p.m.

For more information, call Sandra Gubel, 827-6901.