What is the “I’m Alive!” Approach to Tobacco Prevention Education?
Quite simply, it’s a belief that this effort is of such critical importance to our children’s welfare, that every possible resource should be employed. Further, it’s a belief that music and music performance are uniquely powerful mediums for teaching and involving K-6 kids in a way that will substantively impress them with the importance of making healthy choices. The DuPage County Health Department believes these songs, and this approach can prove effective as a supplement to tobacco prevention efforts in our community.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of premature death in the USA. We can’t possibly devote too much money or too great an effort in giving our children the strength and knowledge to resist the decision to start smoking.

“Music affects the mind in powerful ways… people can typically remember scores of tunes, and recognize hundreds more, but we can recall only a few snatches of prose passages.” (“Music on the Mind”, S. Begley, Newsweek, 7/24/00)

The “I’m Alive!” performance and education guide comes equipped with ideas for integrating tobacco education into the classroom and the community. Assessment and evaluation tools are also included to help tailor your group’s message.