RELEASE OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY SURGEON GENERAL’S REPORT – JANUARY 17

This event will take place at the White House at 9:30 a.m. ET.The event will be Webcast live at http://whitehouse.gov/live.The January 17 event will fully replace the press conference originally scheduled for January 16.

A new video and social media resources have been added to the Surgeon General’s Web site which you can use to help promote the 50^thanniversary of the first Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health.

The video featuresTipsad participants Terrie Hall, Brandon Carmichael and Roosevelt Smith, discussing their experiences during and after theTips campaign http://youtu.be/r9c54YcI388
and the following social media tools have been developed to help you participate and share the event with others: live tweeting,Twibbon campaign, and photo sharing initiative.

Live Tweeting

During the press conference, OSH will be live tweeting from the @CDCTobaccoFree and @Surgeon_General Twitter profiles. You can follow along for up-to-the-minute information from the live event using our Twitter feed or the official #SGR50 hashtag. We encourage all partners to join the conversation and retweet as appropriate.

Twibbon Campaign

A Twibbon is a small image that you can overlay onto your Twitter or Facebook profile picture in order to support a campaign or a cause. You can show your support for the 50^th Anniversary of the Surgeon General’s Report by customizing your social media profile picture with the official SGR50 Twibbon.

The Twibbon reflects the anniversary branding and provides customized content for easy posting on your Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Please use the Twibbon and post a tweet or Facebook post with the #SGR50 hashtag to encourage your social media community to do the same.

Photo Sharing Initiative

We invite all partners to help spread the word and show support by participating in a photo sharing initiative through social media platforms. Here’s how you and your organization can participate:

1. Using the following format (varies for organizations and individuals), create a sign using your own language to finish the following statements or you may select the complete message in option 3:

· We’re working to make the next generation tobacco-free (for, to, because) _____________.

· I’m working towards a tobacco-free future (for, to, because) __________.

· Together We Can Make the Next Generation Tobacco Free.

2. Take individual or group photos within your organization holding the sign and upload the photo to your social media platform(s).

· How to upload photos to Facebook

· How to upload photos to Twitter

· How to upload photos to Instagram

· How to pin on Pinterest

3. Using the #SGR50 hashtag, post the photo on your desired social media platform(s).

Include in your post a message of your choice. As a suggestion, here’s a sample post: Honoring 50 years of progress in smoking and health: [link to uploaded photo]. #SGR50. Please be sure to add the official #SGR50 hashtag to ensure your photo is visible.

4. Spread the word by asking your online community to retweet your photos and invite them to participate in the photo sharing initiative.