COMMUNITY EVENTS
November Informational Packet
Connecting our community by sharing resources and
information on important topics that expand the knowledge,
health, and well-being of our residents. Click here to access the packet.
Seasonal Canning Class
UF IFAS Extension is offering a canning class on December 4th, you can register here: https://extseaonalcanning.eventbrite.com/
INITIATIVES
Local initiatives supported by Tobacco Free Columbia include those intended to:
Stop illegal tobacco and vape product sales and predatory marketing practices. What is POS pdf.
Policy change has played a major role in smoke-free air reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, providing health warnings on tobacco packaging and raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21 years of age.
Together, we work on policies to counteract the tobacco industry influence at the retail point of sale (POS). Tobacco companies spend most of their advertising and promotional money at the POS, taking full advantage of their dollars on exterior and interior advertisements, product placement and price discounts. In 2020, the tobacco industry spent over $6.8 BILLION to advertise and promote their products in the retail environment. Read more
Ensure K-12 school policies that address tobacco are comprehensive and effective. A comprehensive school- based tobacco free policy is a key strategy outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for preventing and reducing tobacco use among youth. These policies benefit students, faculty, staff and visitors by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and establishing frameworks which reinforce tobacco free norms and attitudes.
Successful Students = A Healthy Future
Tobacco Free Public Spaces - Tobacco Free Parks Protect Kids
We are excited to announce that the Board of County Commission adopted a tobacco-free county park ordinance for all county parks, facilities, and recreational centers as of March 23, 2023. The City of Lake City also adopted tobacco-free parks on August 20, 2023. Thank you to all of our county and city officials!!
Do you have a business or facility that you would like to make tobacco-free? Reach out to our partnership and we would be happy to assist you with a tobacco-free policy.
We have recently assisted 2 facilities with tobacco-free work place and facility policies to create a healthier environment. Thank you Christian Service Center and Grace Pediatrics!
YOUTH ADVOCACY
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) mobilizes and equips youth to protect their generation from the tobacco and vaping industries. Columbia County SWAT members build leadership skills and plan activities to help raise awareness and support for policies that benefit the community.
To learn more or to attend a SWAT meeting or event in Columbia County, contact info@tobaccofreecolumbia.com.
We currently have 2 SWAT Clubs, one at Ft. White Middle School and a community club with Boy Scout Troop 85. Stay tuned for upcoming activities and events.
To learn more about SWAT’s work across the state, visit SWATflorida.com.
Not A Lab Rat Campaign empowers youth statewide to stand up and declare that they refuse to be Big Tobacco's "lab rats" as we discover the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes. For information on how to get involved with SWAT and help create change, visit https://www.swatflorida.com/join-the-movement/
The Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS) tracks indicators of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke among Florida public middle and high school students and provides data for monitoring and evaluating tobacco use among youth for the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Tobacco Prevention and Control.
In 2022, 25.8% of Columbia County youth reported ever trying electronic vaping and 15.4% currently use electronic vaping.
To learn more about the survey, visit: http://www.floridahealth.gov/statistics-and-data/survey-data/florida-youth-survey/florida-youth-tobacco-survey/index.html
Teen Vaping
Youth vaping rates are at an all time high and e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product. What do you know about e-cigarettes?
Support Teens and help them quit nicotine - Truth Initiative - Text DITCHVAPE to 88709
QUIT
Are you or someone you care about ready to quit? Support is available!
Talk to a quit coach, find a quit group, or get free nicotine replacement patches or gum. Learn more about these and other FREE resources at Tobacco Free Florida.
Community Partners
We are community led and driven. We also support other organizations and their initiatives that improve the well-being of our community.
