KING COUNTY, WA - Students caught smoking on school campuses may now attend a tobacco diversion class as an alternative to school suspension.

"Tobacco addiction is very powerful, especially for young people," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "This program helps students take the initial steps toward quitting."

For most school districts in King County, students caught smoking are suspended from school for one to five days. As an alternative, school staff, police, and parents may refer students to a smoking diversion class taught by Public Health professionals.

"We want young people to stay in school and get the help they need to quit smoking," added Plough.

Class topics include addiction, the health effects of smoking, and strategies for quitting. Instructors also engage participants in discussions about why young people smoke and how media advertising by tobacco companies (and others) target youth.

"Students from anywhere in King County may attend our tobacco diversion classes," said Greg Hewett, Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Coordinator.

The Lake Washington School District has signed a special agreement to offer diversion classes instead of suspension to students caught smoking. Most other King County school districts also offer this alternative.

Currently, classes are offered on Mondays from 6:00-7:30 PM at Northshore Public Health Center (10808 N.E. 145th Street, Bothell, WA). Beginning in January 2001, classes will also be offered on Tuesday evenings at a yet to be determined location in south King County.

Pre-registration for classes is required. To sign up, please contact Public Health's Tobacco Prevention staff at (206) 296-7613.

Information about Public Health's Tobacco Prevention Program is available online at www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco.