MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearWay Minnesota has launched a new advertising campaign designed to inform Minnesotans that tobacco is still an urgent problem in our state. The campaign includes three 30-second TV commercials, a new website with interactive facts and information on tobacco's impact, plus online banner ads, bus sides and billboards. The ads are part of a continued push by ClearWay Minnesota to reduce tobacco's harm through education efforts and policy initiatives.

"We can't become complacent about the problem of tobacco in Minnesota," said David Willoughby, Chief Executive Officer of ClearWay Minnesota. "The tobacco industry spends more than $150 million each year in Minnesota trying to addict our youth and keep people smoking. We need to remember that smoking kills more people than alcohol, murders, car accidents, AIDS, illegal drugs and suicide combined."

In Minnesota, approximately 625,000 adults still smoke, 77,000 youths use tobacco and the state loses 5,100 lives each year due to tobacco use. Meanwhile, the tobacco industry spends $12.8 billion annually to market its products nationwide, with $157 million of that being spent in Minnesota alone.

The three new television ads will launch at different times beginning on November 12. The ads are intended to highlight the problem of tobacco and will show shocking images of tobacco's impact, especially on our youth. The campaign will direct viewers to www.stillaproblem.com to find out more about the issue and solutions to help reduce tobacco's harm.

"Coaster"
The new television ad, launching today, depicts youth being taken on the "ride of their lives" by a tobacco addiction roller coaster. The ad highlights the traditional marketing of tobacco to kids, but also illustrates how difficult it can be to break the cycle of addiction.

"School Bus"
The new television ad, launching January 7, 2013, shows startling footage of a school bus full of junior high school kids smoking. The ad highlights the fact that despite knowing the health risks, 77,000 Minnesota kids are current tobacco users.

"Your Share"
The final television ad in the new campaign will launch in February and illustrates the economic cost of tobacco on all Minnesotans. In the spot, an official shows up at a home to collect $554 from each family member to pay for the nearly $3 billion in tobacco-related health care costs in Minnesota.

"We need to continue to educate Minnesotans about the impact of tobacco on our youth, our health and our economy," said Willoughby. "It's time to get serious about addressing this issue. Policies like smoke-free spaces, easily accessible cessation programs and increasing the price of tobacco are effective at helping current smokers quit and preventing youth from ever becoming addicted smokers."

The television, bus sides, billboards, online banner ads and website were created by Minneapolis advertising agency Clarity Coverdale Fury. Information and campaign materials are available at www.stillaproblem.com, an interactive website designed to educate Minnesotans about the impact of tobacco on our youth, health and economy.

"We're expecting Minnesotans will be a bit shocked by the blunt messages in these new ads," said Jac Coverdale, Executive Creative Director, Clarity Coverdale Fury. "We're asking people to pay attention to how tobacco affects us all and really think about the problem."

About ClearWay Minnesota^SM

ClearWay Minnesota 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® stop-smoking services and statewide outreach activities. It is funded with 3 percent of the state's 1998 tobacco settlement. For more information on ClearWay Minnesota or QUITPLAN Services, call 952-767-1400 or visit clearwaymn.org.

SOURCE ClearWay Minnesota