Tar Wars

U.S. Representative Chris Murphy, center, congratulates Jordan Henneberry, third from left, winner of the 2011 Connecticut Tar Wars Poster Contest. The Congressman provided a tour of Capitol Hill for Jordan and his entire family, members of whom said the experience was "exceptional" and the program to entice fifth graders not to smoke "most impressive".

The CAFP and the Tar Wars Program Work Together to Educate Fifth Grade Students on the Dangers of Tobacco Use

In 1993 the American Academy of Family Physicians endorsed Tar Wars as a national program. This decision was instrumental in promoting the Tar wars program to AAFP members both nationally and locally. The Connecticut Academy of Family Physicians is dedicated to helping young people resist the temptation to tobacco products. From 1997 through 2002, CAFP members throughout Connecticut have participated in this nationwide anti-smoking program.

Tar Wars is a dynamic pro-health education program that motivates youth to make positive health choices in an environment that is interactive and that promotes personal responsibility. Tar Wars is a program where family physicians become teachers for one hour as they educate 5th graders on the dangers of tobacco use. The lesson is fun and image-based focusing on the short-term effects of tobacco use and the reasons people use tobacco, and the images that tobacco companies use to market their products. There is an preset curriculum for all physicians who are interested that makes participation easy.

During the years 1997-2002 nearly 30 CAFP members spoke to 5th grade students totalling more than 3500 students each year. All students were encouraged to participate in a poster contest at each school. The top three posters were then judged to receive state awards. The first four winners received prizes while each school winner received a tee shirt. In 1997, Chad Engle from Putnam won. In 1998 Niraj Dave from Newington created the best poster and went to Kansas City with all the other statewide winners. In 1999, Shane Vinnicobe from Pomfret was the winner in Connecticut. In 2000, Katherine Boguszewski from St. Mary's School, Putnam was the Connecticut First Place Poster Contest Winner. In 2001, Cameron Smith from St. Mary's School, Putnam was the First Place Poster Contest Winner.

All CAFP members are encouraged to participate in the program. Members who wish to have the program presented in their local schools can click on the links at the top of the page for a sample letter and an school entry form. For more information check out the CAFP Website at www.ctafp.org or contact Phyllis Darby at the CAFP Executive office at 1-800-600-CAFP or 860-243-3977.