On February 21, we were fortunate to have Dr. Jeffrey Wigand speak to the Nazareth Community and guests. Dr. Wigand achieved national prominence when he became tobacco industry's highest ranking former executive to speak out to the public about the concerted effort of Brown and Williamson tobacco company to produce highly addictive cigarettes. His public disclosure occurred on February 4, 1996 on the 60 minutes program. In that interview with Mike Wallace, he described the cigarette as a "delivery device for nicotine".
Dr. Wigand's story was told in the movie entitled "the Insider" with Russell Crowe as Dr. Wigand. It is a powerful movie that captures the ethical dilemma faced by Dr. Wigand and the price he paid for speaking out. He stated that he has no regrets. Since his disclosure of the tobacco industry's "secrets", Dr.Wigand has mounted a crusade to prevent or eliminate smoking, especially targeting children and adolescents.
The event was sponsored by Nazareth's School of Health and Human Services and Interdisciplinary Institute for Professional Ethics.
