SANTA FE, N.M. - (Business Wire) Casper Baca became the first New
Mexico rodeo promoter to ban advertising, sponsorships and the
distribution of free spit tobacco samples at all of his rodeo events.
Baca signed the “Bucking Tobacco Sponsorship”
policy during a special ceremony last week with Lt. Governor Diane
Denish, State Sen. Dede Feldman, Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil and
Youth Development, Inc., President & CEO Chris Baca. YDI, a contractor for the Department of Health’s Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program, helped Casper Baca develop his anti-tobacco policy.
“We congratulate Casper Baca on taking a stand against an industry that harms the health of our citizens,” Lt. Governor Denish said. “His
anti-tobacco commitment furthers the efforts the Governor and I have
made to make New Mexico a healthier place for our children and families.”
Baca noted that rodeo has been long associated with spit tobacco. “Tobacco
sponsorships send children a message that tobacco and rodeo go
together. Smoking and chewing aren't tough, they are deadly.”
Secretary Vigil
said the danger of oral cancer is not as well known as the danger of
lung cancer, but is very real. One out of 10 teenage boys uses spit
tobacco, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In New Mexico, 8.5 percent of high school students reported in 2005
using chew, snuff or dip tobacco. In 2006, 4.5 percent of New Mexico
adults used chew or snuff. Spit tobacco can lead to oral cancer, gum
disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Mr. Baca's pledge helps us send the message that no form of tobacco is safe,” Dr. Vigil said.
The Department’s
Tobacco Use Prevention and Control program and its partners use a
comprehensive, evidence-based approach to decrease tobacco use. The
program works with communities, schools and organizations across the
state to promote healthy, tobacco-free lifestyles among all New
Mexicans, which will reduce tobacco-related illness, save lives and
save money. More information is available at www.health.state.nm.us/tobacco.html.
Casper Baca grew up competing in rodeos and working with the "Baca Brothers Rodeo Company.” In 1986 he started the Casper Baca Rodeo Company, which produces up to 50 rodeos a year throughout the Southwest.
New Mexico Department of Health
Deborah Busemeyer, Office: 505-827-2619
Cell: 505-470-2290
