The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD), in collaboration with other local organizations, will encourage youth to take a stand against big tobacco companies and educate their peers about the importance of not smoking on Kick Butts Day, Wednesday, March 20.

Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism which empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against big tobacco companies. Health officials want to raise awareness of the tobacco problem, encourage youth to stay tobacco-free and urge strong action to protect kids from tobacco.

Representatives from the health department will be at the following locations on Wednesday, March 20, to distribute information and tips on smoking cessation:

• Benjamin Hooks Library
3030 Poplar Ave.
10 a.m. to noon

• University of Memphis-University Center
499 University
1 p.m.

After 15 years in Cooper-Young Literacy Mid-South is moving, changing the way they do business and making other progressive improvements.

The Adult Learning Program is getting a complete overhaul, and the Smart Memphis Coalition will be working in an even deeper, more comprehensive way with more than 125 education and literacy providers in the Mid-South, according to the organization's latest newsletter.