Remembering an Influential Anti-Tobacco Advocate: Debi Austin (Posted on March 07, 2013)

Remembering an Influential Anti-Tobacco Advocate: Debi Austin

Posted on March 07, 2013

On Friday, February 22nd, the tobacco control field lost the great anti-tobacco advocate Debi Austin to cancer. Austin dedicated over fifteen years of her life to fighting the tobacco industry, with a special passion for preventing kids from smoking. Throughout these fifteen years, Austin made an unforgettable impact on anti-tobacco campaigns as a true pioneer in the field.

Austin first began her work in tobacco control back in 1996 when the State of California approached her to be in their next public service announcement. In an interview with Tobacco Free CA, Austin recalls being afraid to be in public eye because of how they would view her addiction to tobacco. “Am I going to stand up in front of an entire state and tell them that I lost my voice because I couldn’t control my addiction?” Austin had explained. “I don’t think so.” And with that, she turned the state down.

It was not until her three-year-old niece drew a black circle on her throat so she could be like her that Austin realized not only the amount the tobacco industry had taken from her, but how much more they could still take away. Knowing what she had to do, Austin called the state back and became the face to “Voicebox.” Despite her fear of judgment, “Voicebox” is hailed as “the most recognized and talked about California tobacco control ad” by the California Department of Public Health. It went on to air not only in California, but 17 other states and Canada.

Since then, Austin participated in two more public service announcements, “Candle” and “Stages” (2010). In “Candle,” Austin powerfully states that this may be her “last chance” to warn Californians about the dangers of smoking. Her message is clear and one that will stick with people years after she is gone. “We trust she will continue to touch those that hear her story, particularly teens and young adults,” Dr. Ron Chapman, California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer said. “She will be greatly missed.”

Many members of the public have come forward on social networking sites such as Facebook to thank Debi for helping them quit or teaching them to never start at all. One member shared, “I quit smoking after viewing this commercial a few times. Her part in it is haunting. Sad to hear of her passing. Another reason for me to NOT start back up!”.

TEAM Lab would like to recognize the many contributions Debi Austin made to our field and how her courage has impacted countless lives. The TEAM Lab staff sends our condolences to Debi Austin’s family and friends.
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Blog written by Lauren Partain, TEAM Lab Intern