London, ON – One Life One You, the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s youth group which educates teens about the dangers of tobacco use, will join the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews and youth groups from eight other southwestern Ontario health units on Friday, May 31st to celebrate World No Tobacco Day.

The youth who make up One Life One You are employed by the Health Unit to raise awareness among their peers about the health risks associated with cigarettes, chew tobacco and other tobacco industry products, and how the industry targets youth.

More than 50 youth are expected to take part in the World No Tobacco Day celebration at Market Square, located outside downtown London’s Covent Garden Market from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Minister Matthews and Dr. Chris Mackie, the Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health are expected to speak at 4:30 p.m. Participants will also be encouraged to sign a petition calling for a federal ban on the use of youth-friendly flavours in tobacco products.

Youth who participate in the World No Tobacco Day celebration will receive community service hours for their efforts. Additional information can be found on the One Life One You page on the Middlesex-London Health Unit's website.

What: World No Tobacco Day celebration

Where: Market Square – Covent Garden Market, 130 King Street, London

When: Friday, May 31st, 2013, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Remarks at 4:30 p.m.

Who:  Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
          Dr. Christopher Mackie, Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Middlesex-London Health Unit
          Members of One Life One You and other health unit youth groups from across southwestern Ontario

Media contact: Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext.2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)