The Last Drag Takes First Place: Danya Video Honored at ITVA-DC PEER Awards

SILVER SPRING, MD. (November 5, 2001) – Danya International’s teen smoking cessation video, The Last Drag, received the 2001 International Television Association Washington, DC Chapter’s (ITVA-DC) PEER Award in the category of “Best Program-Instructional/Training/Professional Development.” ITVA-DC is known as one of the premiere professional associations for video, multimedia, and film professionals across the Washington area. Dubbed the area’s homegrown version of the Academy Awards, the PEER awards event recognizes the work of independent filmmakers and professionals in the Washington, Baltimore, and Richmond areas.

Video co-producer Heather Levin, of Danya International, accepted the award for the recognition of this effort in the fight against teen tobacco use. “The Last Drag really does its job in conveying not only the dangers of smoking, but also effective strategies for helping teens to quit,” said Ms. Levin.

Developed by Danya as a complement to its teen smoking cessation educational curriculum, Adolescent Smoking Cessation Escaping Nicotine and Tobacco (ASCENT), the motivational video The Last Drag is the story of two teenagers, 17-year-old Chris and 15-year-old Mara, who tackle the journey to become smoke-free. These two characters follow the example and guidance of two of their peers who have already successfully quit smoking. The video features local teen actors recruited from Montgomery County and the Baltimore School for the Arts who were actual former smokers.

Over the past several months, many State and county health departments, school systems, community-based organizations, and concerned parents have implemented The Last Drag video into their programs for use as a teen smoking prevention and cessation tool. Teen reaction to the video has been extremely positive due to its highly relatable style and the motivation it gives teens to take that first step.

For more information on The Last Drag video click here.

About Danya International, Inc.

Danya creates, delivers, and evaluates innovative behavior change strategies that empower people of all ages and from all walks of life to live healthier and better educated lives. The company provides breakthrough services in the areas of public health communication, research and evaluation, information technology, education and training, program management support, and health product development. Founded on the guiding principles of integrity, quality, and creativity, Danya helps its public and private-sector clients to develop research-based tools and campaigns that communicate clear, concise, and effective health messages across all media forms. Founded in 1996, Danya is based in Silver Spring, Maryland. To learn more about the company, visit www.danya.com.