South East Alaska Regional Health Consortium - Through With Chew Week
A graduate of the University of Alaska, Charles Clement holds a master of public administration. Charles Clement leverages his training to lead as president and chief executive officer of the South East Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), which encourages Alaskans to participate in national Through With Chew Week. Designed to discourage the use of smokeless Tobacco, Through With Chew Week took place from February 19 through 25. The event served as an opportunity to increase awareness in Alaskans of the dangers of smokeless tobacco. From 1996 to 2015, the adult rate of adult smokeless tobacco use was between 4 and 6 percent, and showed no significant drop, despite the known risks associated with this habit. Smokeless tobacco has at least 28 chemicals that can cause cancer, including cancer of the pancreas and esophagus. Further, it can lead to nicotine poisoning in children and increase the risk of stillbirth or early delivery for pregnant women. SEARHC urges those who are struggling to quit using smokeless tobacco to call Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or to visit Facebook.com/Alaskaquitline.