Kevin Everett, PhD

THE CHALLENGE
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Missouri and the United States. Every year it kills nearly six million people worldwide.

KEVIN EVERETT’S work is focused on making it harder for youth to start – and easier for people to quit – using tobacco. He also wants to eliminate the population’s exposure to the toxic chemicals produced by tobacco use. His projects have included organizing youth leadership programs designed to prevent tobacco use, developing innovative treatments to help people quit smoking, and supporting coalition-building approaches to creating healthier, smoke-free environments in the workplace. Dr. Everett is particularly interested in identifying “teachable moments.” These moments happen when patients – in the presence of a healthcare professional – have increased motivation for change. He wants to capitalize on these opportunities by providing patients effective strategies to help them stop using tobacco.