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
