Evanston begins Instagram contest to stand against tobacco

Stephanie Kelly, City Editor

An Evanston department has started an Instagram contest to oppose tobacco use, the city announced Wednesday.

The Health & Human Services Department’s #NotAReplacement Instagram contest began Wednesday and will continue through March 11 in honor of National Kick Butts Day on March 18. The department, which has partnered with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for the contest, will choose the five most impactful posts and the winners will be recognized on the city’s website March 18, according to a press release.

The contest will allow residents to show that they are not “replacement smokers” by posting a photo of themselves holding a “selfie statement” on the social media app. The statement will allow them to say who they are and what they represent, according to the city. About 1,300 Americans die from tobacco use each day while 700 youth replace them and become regular smokers, the city said.

Kick Butts Day is designed for youth to speak against tobacco companies. Residents who are not on Instagram can submit their post via the city’s website.

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