For this issue, we talked to Shelly Goldfarb, a health educator with Discover Health. Shelly works on the Word of Mouth program in Hamilton County. She serves the following schools: Beechwood School, Cameron Park School and Lakeside School in the Winton Woods School District; St. Bernard School in the St. Bernard/Elmwood Place School District; Quebec Heights School and Oyler School in the Cincinnati Public School District.

What is your background?
I have an elementary education bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in health promotion and education.

What is the biggest challenge in preventing tobacco use by kids today?
The biggest challenge is hoping the information they learn from the Word of Mouth program is giving each kid their own reasons and commitment to say No! It can be extremely challenging for many kids because they may have family members or friends that use tobacco and they may not feel that saying yes just one time could have long-term consequences.

What do you like best about the Word of Mouth program? What I like best is how each class develops skills that build upon each other and how kids are informed of the consequences of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.

Why is Word of Mouth successful in your schools?
It is successful because it gives each student plenty of reasons to say no as well as building skills so students feel comfortable and at times courageous for saying no.

What do you want your students to take away from the Word of Mouth program?
I want students to take away their conviction to say no and stand by it no matter what!

Why is Word of Mouth successful in your schools?
The most-asked question is, “Why do I teach this program and other health topics?” I always respond by saying, “It is my passion to help kids make healthy choices in their lives!”