TV Documentary Examines Three Decades of Tobacco Politics, Policies and People in...(tobaccocompanies were aware of the fact ...),Health

The 30-minute program explores the progress Minnesota has made -- including the Oct. 1 implementation of the Freedom to Breath Act -- and the challenges that remain. As the program points out, tobacco use remains the single leading cause of preventable deaths in Minnesota.

The program is being broadcast as Minnesota prepares to host the annual meeting of one of the largest and most important gatherings of people working to reduce tobacco use. The National Conference on Tobacco or Health will be in Minneapolis Oct. 24-26.

"Tobacco vs. Minnesota: Clearing the Air" will be rebroadcast later in the year on Minnesota Channel and will be available for download at http://www.clearwaymn.org after the Oct. 20 broadcast on Minnesota Channel.

ClearWay Minnesota(SM) is an independent, non-profit organization that improves the health of Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. ClearWay Minnesota serves Minnesota through its grant-making program, QUITPLAN(R) Services and statewide outreach activities. It is funded with 3 percent of the state's 1998 tobacco settlement. For more information on QUITPLAN Services, call 952-767-1400 or visit http://www.clearwaymn.org.