News and Events
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Planning for Another Big Year!
September 9, 2019
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, a coalition of community members focused on the prevention of tobacco use, has signed its bylaws, elected the 2019-2020 Advisory Council, and made plans for fiscal year 2019-2020.
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is dedicated to the creation of tobacco-free social norms through a combination of community education, youth advocacy and changes in local tobacco policies. The mission of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County reflects the goals of the CDC’s Best Practices, especially in regards to changes in local tobacco policies to create and promote tobacco-free social norms.
Currently the partnership focuses on counteracting tobacco marketing at the point of sale, tobacco free worksite policies, reducing tobacco use in rural communities and Students Working Against Tobacco clubs for middle and High School. There are multiple goals that the Partnership has identified as a priority for this fiscal year. Tobacco Retail Licensing is one of the main focuses this year and the plan is to continue to build support and capacity for the Point of Sale task force committee. Engaging community members through presentations, finding out what key community stakeholders feel about tobacco retail licensing and revisiting the strategy plan are all key when it comes to attaining tobacco retail licensing in Highlands County. |
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In addition, another main focus this year will be working with the Highlands County School Board at strengthening current electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) policies and providing signage. There are seven SWAT Clubs in Highlands County and with the education and support they provide to their schools and peers, and a stronger ENDS policy, we are hopeful that this will assist with combating the vaping epidemic.
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is facilitated by QuitDoc Foundation. Learn more at www.quitdoc.com. To learn more about the Partnership or to get involved, visit www.tfp-Highlands.org.
