Hi, I am Dandy the Smokeless Dagon.
I was born as a fire-breathing Dragon. When I was just a little dragon, I learned the truth about the dangers of tobacco.

Now I tell kids how bad tobacco is for them. It is never too soon to learn that smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco will hurt you and the people around you.

"I wear a red ribbon around my mouth as a promise to never blow smoke again!"

It's Dandy To Be Tobacco Free," utilizes a large, lovable dragon, Dandy the Smokeless Dragon, to teach young and old alike of the hazards and consequences of using tobacco products, allowing informed choices to be made. His presence in the community is a symbol for policy change, both personal and public. He encourages parents to quit smoking or chewing thus setting a positive example for their children. If it is not possible to quit, Dandy encourages the setting of personal policies to keep children free from exposure to smoke or parental habits role modeling the use of tobacco. Although Dandy is concerned about everyone, his primary target populations are school aged youth, pregnant women and women with young children, and current tobacco users. He is actively educating the community in many ways. He uses media to help change social perceptions. He is a positive role model for children to look up to. He is involved in community events, presentations and special appearances. And, he has his own fan club, allowing prolonged follow up. Throughout all of these methods, Dandy has broken down the confrontational barriers associated with traditional tobacco health education, for in traditional tobacco health education, a health educator is often seen as a threat to those who currently use tobacco where Dandy is perceived as non-threatening as well as non-judgmental , which allows the free dissemination of information. All information is presented from a positive standpoint, and Dandy's involvement makes the program highly visible.