News and Events

Highlands County SWAT Chapter: Growing. Learning. Teaching
March 10, 2023

SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) is Florida's statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future. SWAT works to change the social norms associated with tobacco. This means we want to change the way people think about tobacco… making it less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible.

SWAT Youth accomplish this by advocating for change in local policies that affect how tobacco is marketed, how it is sold, and where it can be used. SWAT members can typically expect to participate in a wide range of activities including community education and outreach, public speaking, collecting data, and media advocacy.

The Highlands County SWAT Chapter has been a driving force in tobacco prevention within their school district for many years. Currently there are 7 SWAT Clubs in Highlands County, Avon Park Middle School, Avon Park High School, Lake Placid Middle School, Lake Placid High School, Hill Gustat Middle School, Sebring Middle School and Sebring High School. This year, the SWAT Chapter plans to add a community-based club to the mix, in hopes of reaching lower socio-economic populations, as they are more susceptible to tobacco use. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

County Approves Ban on Smoking, Vaping in County-Owned Parks
By Jessica Carlson
March 1, 2023

SEBRING – The Highlands County Commission voted 5-0 to ban smoking and vaping in county recreation areas, including parks. This approval also includes all district parks that fall within the definition of Ordinance No. 22-23-15.

This BOCC decision follows in the succession of signed law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 17, effective July 1, that allows cities and counties to impose such restrictions. At the February 21st meeting, Scott Kirouac, Highlands Tobacco Free Partnership (TFP) Member and Highlands County Commissioner, moved to request adoption of the ordinance amending county park definition. The amendment included updated vaping language defined by Florida Statutes, Chapter 386. The motion was seconded by Commissioner, Arlene Tuck and approved unanimously. Note: this ordinance does not apply to unfiltered cigars and pipe tobacco use.

The new playground at the Multi-Sports Complex in Sebring opened at the beginning of May. Fully equipped with a shade to protect children from the sun and an ordinance to protect against 2nd hand smoke.

The penalty of any person convicted of violation smoking or using cigarettes or vaping or using vaping products shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed 60 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. “We are proud of this progress but we, as a community, still have a lot of work to do within our local schools. Vaping is a major concern among our youth and we have to do better. ” stated Kirouac at the March 1, 2023 TFP Meeting. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Holds Final Meeting of 2022
December 7, 2022

Sebring, FL— December 7, 2022 — The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership (HCTFP) closed out 2022 with a collaborative meeting with the following organizations:

HC BOCC - Commissioner, Scott Kirouac
HC Sheriff Office - Sargent, Dusty McGee
AdventHealth Sebring - Amberhope Montero
HCA Florida Highlands - Laura Andrews
Highlands DOH - Pam Crain
Tri-County Human Services - Zaida Rojas
Hanley Foundation - Dawn Drake
Grantee Staff - Jessica Carlson & Amanda John

Pictured L to R: Scott Kirouac, Amanda John, Dawn Drake, Laura Andrews, Zaida Rojas, Jessica Carlson (Partnership picture does not include all that were in attendance)

“I always walk away from the partnership meetings with new knowledge about how tobacco prevention and these conversations can make a difference. It is a long game conversation but I appreciate how willing the partnership is to share their experience and ideas on how we can all do better as a community” states HCTFP Chair, Laura Andrews.

Laura passed the discussion to Dusty McGee, with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Department, who is direclty involved in the vaping crisis that is happening within our school system on a daily basis. Dusty gave an informed update into what is really going on with our youth, particularly at the Junior High and High School level. But, he also addressed the incidents that are happening within the Elementary School - 4th / 5th grade.

“Vaping is a continuing problem that seems to be getting worse, not better. Kids are getting the products from parents, older siblings and/or stores that are distributing to minors. We have been in contact with ATF and will start working with an agent out of Tampa, FL in the coming months to help combat this epidemic by increasing “buys” and revoking licenses for those that continue to distribute illegally. With the help of ATF, our local SWAT kids, tougher policies by our our elected officials, and parent awareness - we can make a difference."
Read More

_________________________________________________________________

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping
October 19, 2022

E-cigarette companies use the same tricks, including flavors and marketing campaigns, that tobacco companies used for decades to target and recruit young smokers(1). Not a surprise considering Big Tobacco companies own or have significantly invested in e-cigarette companies(2,3). These are the same tobacco companies that for decades lied about the addictiveness and health effects of cigarettes(4).

SWAT is Florida’s youth-led movement to combat Big Tobacco. Not A Lab Rat Day is a statewide initiative that empowers youth to stand up and declare that they refuse to be the tobacco and e-cigarette industry’s “lab rats” as we wait and see the long-term health effects of vaping.

The fifth annual Not A Lab Rat Day in Highlands County was a great success. Youth at all Highlands Middle and High schools used this opportunity to dispel myths and educate their peers about the e-cigarette industry’s connection to Big Tobacco and inform them that when it to comes to e-cigarettes and vaping products, history is repeating itself. These activities were done in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week this year. Each school had dress days for more student involvement, which is why the SWAT Chapter decided to utilize this platform to celebrate. Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership Names Laura Andrews as 2022-2023 Chair
September 19, 2022

Sebring, FL — The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership (HCTFP) is pleased to announce the appointment of their newest Chair, Laura Andrews. Andrews has been actively and enthusiastically engaged in the partnership since 2021. Andrews is a dedicated member of the community where she lives and works as the Program Director for HCA Florida Highlands Hospital - Wound Care Center. She is married to her husband, Dan Andrews and together they own Legacy Bicycle. They have two children; Matthew 21, in his third year at the US Airforce Academy in Colorado Springs and Hannah 16, in the 10th grade at Sebring Middle School where she is an avid swimmer and volleyball player.

In addition to her service to HCTFP, Andrews is a tremendous community advocate. She is involved in many local not for profits, community organizations and a member of First Church Sebring. Laura live live to the fullest with a foundation of Faith, Family and Friendship.

Mrs. Andrews states, “As Chair, I look forward to continue building the business relationship factor and connecting as many community members to the partnership. Together, we are better! The HCTFP will continue to grow with inspiration from our success stories by showing why tobacco prevention and education is so incredibly important to the overall health of our community”. Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Highlands County SWAT Chapter: Growing, Learning, Teaching
September 14, 2022

_____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Wraps up Another Productive Year!
June 1, 2022

While the 2021-2022 year was challenging on many levels, our clubs did their best, while being respectful of the social distancing measures they continue to encounter, to remain as active as possible getting valuable information out to their peers and our community. A few local projects our SWAT Youth were able to conduct this past year included participating in the annual Highlands County Fair, educating peers about various national tobacco control holidays, including Not A Lab Rat Day, hosting educational bulletin boards in their schools, presenting anti-tobacco/vaping messaging at the Sebring Soda Fest, and many more.
Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County was the Entertainment Sponsor of the 2022 Sebring Soda Festival
April 3, 2022

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County was thrilled this year to have the opportunity to be the Entertainment Sponsor for the 2022 Sebring Soda Fest hosted by the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce and the Sebring Soda Shop. The Sebring Soda Festival is an exciting family-friendly 3-day festival, and 2022 was its fifth year in downtown Sebring. It is a unique opportunity to showcase the small town feel of the beautiful downtown Sebring area while promoting a family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy. With hundreds of craft sodas available for sampling, along with a classic car show, live entertainment, art/craft vendors, pop-up retail storefronts, a variety of food options, and kid zones, it is truly a perfect event for people of all ages!

The Partnership has sponsored this event in the past several times, in fact, after the first year, the Chamber of Commerce signed a tobacco free event policy for all chamber events. Since then, they have been very supportive of tobacco free event and venue policies. Having the Chamber of Commerce be an extra voice in favor of these policies is very helpful when approaching others to follow suit. They have access to a multitude of businesses, community leaders, and others who may either be interested in adopting a tobacco free organizational policy, or who can champion for these policies. In addition, the exposure this event receives is a great outlet for the Partnership and SWAT to increase awareness of the dangers of tobacco/vape use and welcome the support of community members willing to become involved in the movement towards a healthier community. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

Visible and Cheap, in the Retail Environment, is Where Tobacco Enters Our Community
March 17, 2022

The tobacco industry spends most of their marketing money in the retail environment to promote their products, in which, most of their marketing efforts are aimed directly to our kids. Essentially, the tobacco industry is buying shelf and advertising space to keep tobacco visible and offering price discounts to keep tobacco cheap. These companies are no fool, what they are really “buying” is youth who initiate - adults who can’t quit!

In efforts to combat these marketing tactics, the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County has been elbow deep in the retail realm of the tobacco industry for years. We have conducted several rounds of tobacco retail assessments from 44+ retailers, nearly every licensed tobacco retailer in Highlands County.

The retail point of sale (POS) is comprised of three main categories: (a) point-of-sale advertisements, (b) price discounts (c) coupons. This is a very comprehensive and lengthy process as the metrics under which retailers are monitored include – types of tobacco products, product placement, pricing promotions, tobacco advertisements, the availability of tobacco ‘lookalike’ products, etc. Read More

_________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Shares Information at the Highlands County Fair
February 28, 2022

Highlands County SWAT Chapter participated in the annual Highlands County Fair in February 2022. The Highlands County Fair took place over 8 days in Highlands County and included fair rides, an exhibit hall, live-stock show, and more. It captured community members, business leaders, youth and parents from all over the county, who were provided with information on the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure, the vaping epidemic and the importance of tobacco free events and venues.

The SWAT youth displayed other educational items such as “Mr. Gross Mouth,” and “Mr. Dip Lip,” which were a big hit! In addition, there was a large SWAT graffiti poster hanging and fair goers were encouraged to help decorate the poster and sign their pledge to not use chewing tobacco.

In addition, the SWAT Chapter also helped raise awareness about tobacco-free events by hanging breaths easy zone signs around the perimeter. The SWAT Chapter and the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County has a goal this year of moving more private event venues towards adopting Tobacco Free Event & Venue policies. By reaching this goal, the TFP & SWAT Chapter would be helping these private organizations do their part by protecting the health and safety of their attendees, as well as ensure the cleanliness and integrity of their property. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County: Crucial for Tobacco Prevention and Education
December 20, 2021

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, a coalition of community members focused on the prevention of tobacco use, has signed its bylaws, and welcomed several new members at the Quarter 2 TFP meeting.

Maintaining the Tobacco Free Partnership in Highlands County is crucial when it comes to tobacco prevention and education. 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.

This quarter, Jessica Carlson, Community Health Advocate with QuitDoc, filled the gaps in the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County’s membership. The new faces that attended the meeting included representatives from the Highlands County Sheriffs Office, Representative Kaylee Tuck’s office, the Highlands County Health Department, Advent Health, Highlands Regional and many other key business leaders in Highlands County. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Highlands Students Working Against Tobacco Youth are Working Hard to Educate on the Dangers of Tobacco Use
November 29, 2021

Our Highlands SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) kicked the 21-22 school year off with a bang. Youth have been busy the past several months educating their peers and the community on the dangers associated with tobacco and vape use and secondhand smoke.

Our SWAT Chapter consists of youth ages 11-17 from all of our public middle and high schools in Highlands County and have been a strong force and voice for tobacco prevention in our community for many years.

In addition to becoming more active within their individual schools, our SWAT Youth are working hard to spread awareness and become more present within the community. Our Highlands County SWAT Youth participate in public speaking opportunities such as school board meetings and board of county commission meetings and to educate these key decision makers on current youth tobacco rates and the continued epidemic we see with youth vaping.

In addition to these activities, our SWAT Youth participated in Not a Lab Rat Day, Red Ribbon Week and multiple fall festivals this quarter... Read More

____________________________________________________________________-

Learn About the Mission of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County
October 1, 2021

The Mission of the Tobacco Free Partnership (TFP) of Highlands County is to protect our community from the dangers of inhaled nicotine products and secondhand smoke exposure through evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation strategies with an emphasis on youth and other disparate populations. Our work is guided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs, as mandated by the Florida Constitution.

Best Practices of prevention strategies include preventing initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults, promoting quit attempts among adults and youth, eliminating secondhand smoke exposure, and identifying and eliminating tobacco-related disparities among certain populations.

Key in achieving this is our local Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) groups. Group of youth meet regularly to mobilize their peers and deglamorize Big-Tobacco. Highlands County has seven SWAT clubs who are actively engaged in local events including but not limited to conducting recruitment activities, celebrating national tobacco holidays, and gaining exposure in our community by presenting to decision makers, such as the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners and the Highlands County School Board. In addition, youth have participated in local events such as the Christmas parades at all municipalities and many local fall festivals.

Our newsletter outlines some of the work our youth and our Tobacco Free Partnership does in our community and is aligned with CDC Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program. For more information on CDC Best Practices, visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/stateandcommunity/guides/index.htm

_____________________________________________________________________

The QuitDoc Foundation Continues to Advocate for a Tobacco Free Future in Highlands County
September 9, 2021

In 2007 Florida’s voters overwhelmingly approved a state constitutional amendment, Article X, Section 27. This amendment called for establishing a comprehensive tobacco education and prevention program, and thus, the Tobacco Free Florida (TFF) program was born. Every county in the state of Florida has its own local tobacco control program which includes partners and stakeholders in the community. These local partnerships are administered through the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida (BTFF) and funded by money derived from the state’s tobacco settlement agreement which took place in 1997 against major tobacco companies.

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County has been facilitated by the QuitDoc Foundation since 2009. For the past 12 years, we have implemented youth prevention programs, such as the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Clubs, programs to reduce tobacco use in rural communities, projects to create tobacco free organizations, and measures to counteract tobacco marketing in retail environment. Our partnership is dedicated to the creation of tobacco-free social norms through many initiatives, and we are pleased to continue our efforts here locally.

First and foremost, we work relentlessly to protect our most vulnerable and valuable asset, our Youth. SWAT is Florida's statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate, and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future. SWAT Youth work to change the way people view tobacco as well as reduce the social norms associated with tobacco use - making it less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County has a New Tobacco Prevention Specialist!
July 14, 2021

QuitDoc Foundation recently named Jessica Carlson as the Tobacco Prevention Specialist of Highlands County. Jessica comes to QuitDoc from the Hardee County Chamber of Commerce where she has been the Executive Director for the past 7 years. Through hard-work, rebranding, and leadership, Jessica was able to transform the Hardee County Chamber of Commerce from barely surviving (in 2016) to thriving in a rural community. As part of her job, she regularly presented to the County Commission, collaborated with county/city administration, and built a solid group of community partners through networking and being a constant facet in her community.

“I am beyond exited to represent Highlands County as QuitDoc’s newest team member,” said Jessica. “Implementing the education, prevention and treatment of tobacco in this beautiful community is a true passion of mine.”

In addition to her role as the Director of the Chamber, Jessica is also a Health and Wellness Coach. As a coach, she cultivates and manages new and existing relationships by living a healthy lifestyle and recruiting others to do the same. Through coaching, she serves as a mentor to hundreds of women working towards health goals. Jessica has truly developed a love for healthy living, in all capacity, and has a deep passion for helping others live happier, healthier lives. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership will Continue in Highlands County with QuitDoc Foundation as the Fiscal Agent
June 8, 2021

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.

Since 2012 the Partnership has been facilitated by QuitDoc Foundation and during this time there have been many successful policy achievements and tobacco educational opportunities in Highlands County. Some of the biggest achievements include a flavored tobacco ban in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid, several tobacco free worksite policies at some of the largest businesses in the county, 4 smoke free multi-unit housing policies, a Tobacco Free Event Policy at the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce and a policy that designates Breathe Easy Zones at the Highlands County Fairgrounds. In addition to policy work, the Partnership also has given numerous community presentations, including, but not limited to presentations at the County Commission Meetings, local municipalities, and the School Board of Highlands County. Read More

______________________________________________________________________

COVID and Social Distancing Can’t Keep Highlands SWAT Youth from Advocating for The First Tobacco Free Generation
May 28, 2021

While the 2020-2021 year was challenging on many levels, our clubs did their best, while being respectful of social distancing measures, to remain as active as possible getting valuable information out to their peers and our community. A few local projects our SWAT Youth were able to conduct this past year included participating in the annual Highlands County Fair, educating peers about various national tobacco control holidays, including Not A Lab Rat Day, hosting educational bulletin boards in their schools, presenting anti-tobacco/vaping messaging at the Sebring Soda Fest, and many more. Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Shares the Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco!
February 21, 2021

The Highlands County SWAT Chapter participated in the annual Highlands County Fair from February 12-20th, 2021. The fair has become an annual sponsorship for the Tobacco Free Partnership (TFP) and this year was a great success with the same theme, but a different approach! The Highlands County Fair took place over 8 days in Highlands County and included fair rides, an exhibit hall, live-stock show, and more. It captured community members, business leaders, youth and parents from all over the county, who were provided with information on the dangers of smokeless tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure.

Moreover, since it was the week before Through With Chew Week (TWCW), the SWAT Clubs kicked off the celebrations a week early, by centering their booth design around the holiday. The students showed up with their SWAT T-shirts on, hand-made signs and TWCW material provided by the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. They also displayed other educational items such as “Mr. Gross Mouth,” and “Mr. Dip Lip,” which were a big hit! In addition, there was a large SWAT graffiti poster hanging and fair goers were encouraged to help decorate the poster and sign their pledge to not use chewing tobacco.

“We’ve all had a rough year with the COVID-19 Pandemic. I am so thrilled that the Partnership and SWAT Chapter received so much exposure after a year with so much uncertainty and very little face to face interaction,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate with QuitDoc Foundation. Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Quitting Smokeless Tobacco is More Important Than Ever This Through With Chew Week!
February 15, 2021

Sebring, Fla. – Each year, Through With Chew Week raises awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use (chew, dip and snus) and the effective tools available to quit. This Through With Chew Week, Feb. 21-27, Highlands County is encouraging smokeless tobacco users to set a quit date and use Tobacco Free Florida’s free and proven-effective resources to quit for good.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, quitting smokeless tobacco is more important than ever. Smokeless tobacco is harmful to health and highly addictive(1). The use of some types of smokeless tobacco products is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke(2,3) and having heart disease increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19(4). Smokeless tobacco also contains harmful chemicals, such as a radioactive element called polonium-210 and harmful metals including arsenic and lead. Some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer(5). Apart from cancer, other oral health issues from smokeless tobacco include mouth sores, gum recession, tooth decay, and permanent discoloration of teeth(6).

“Smokeless tobacco poses serious health risks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate with QuitDoc Foundation, “We want residents in our area to know that Tobacco Free Florida has free tools and services to help them improve their overall health and quit tobacco.”

This year the SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) Chapter and the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County will be celebrating Through With Chew Week during the week of the Highlands County Fair, from February 12-20th. There will be informational handouts encouraging all smokeless tobacco users to quit and will have informational displays that show the effects of using smokeless tobacco. Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Calls for Quit Attempts, Awareness During Great American Smokeout
November 19, 2020

The annual Great American Smokeout took place on November 19, 2020 and the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County used this observance to encourage people to make a plan to quit smoking using the free tools and services available to Floridians.

Tracing its history back more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout marks a date when smokers are encouraged to use the date to either make a plan or to begin their quit journey (1).

Quitting smoking can add up to 10 years to life expectancy (2). The health benefits of quitting smoking include reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, improving lung function and lowering the chances of getting an array of different cancers (3,4). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that smoking may increase your risk of severe illness related to COVID-19 (5).

In addition to a healthier body, quitting smoking can lead to a healthier wallet. One year after quitting smoking, a former pack-a-day smoker can save over $2,200, based on today’s prices. Over five years, this adds up to a savings of over $11,000 (6). Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping
November 18, 2020

E-cigarette companies use the same tricks, including flavors and marketing campaigns, that tobacco companies used for decades to target and recruit young smokers (1). Not a surprise considering Big Tobacco companies own or have significantly invested in e-cigarette companies (2,3). These are the same tobacco companies that for decades lied about the addictiveness and health effects of cigarettes (4).

The third annual Not A Lab Rat Day in Highlands County was a great success. Youth at all Highlands Middle and High schools used this opportunity to dispel myths and educate their peers about the e-cigarette industry’s connection to Big Tobacco and inform them that when it to comes to e-cigarettes and vaping products, history is repeating itself. These activities were done in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week this year. Each school had dress days for more student involvement, which is why the SWAT Chapter decided to utilize this platform to celebrate. Read More

__________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Making Plans for the 2020-2021 Year!
September 21, 2020

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 2020-2021 Advisory Council, and made plans for fiscal year 2020-2021

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. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County SWAT Holds Modified Summer Program Due to COVID-19!
September 8, 2020

The SWAT Chapter of Highlands County held its third summer program in June and July. The summer program has progressively gotten larger, however COVID-19 put a slight damper on things. Instead of being able to meet face-to-face, the meetings took place virtually and it was hard to have a consistent number of members.

The main focus this year was electronic cigarette education and plans for a new school year. SWAT youth and advisors met via zoom call every Monday and Tuesday initially, but then decided once a week was a better option.

“This was definitely not what we anticipated, but just like everything else that’s up in the air, we made it work. We were able to do fun icebreakers, and continue to educate our SWAT members on electronic nicotine delivery systems,” said Amanda John.

There were also plans made for park clean ups, tobacco prevention holidays and a yearly SWAT Chapter meeting. The summer program was an awesome refresher for SWAT members and they are looking forward to wonderful things this fall…assuming COVID doesn’t continue to run rampant and cancel events. Read more

_____________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Celebrated Tobacco Free Florida Week Virtually!
June 10, 2020

Every year, Tobacco Free Florida Week aims to spotlight the importance of tobacco control in our state – whether it is helping adults quit tobacco, preventing youth initiation, or protecting Floridians from secondhand smoke. This year, The Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida, The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County and other tobacco prevention experts are directing their attention to e-cigarette use (aka vaping) among youth. Youth Vaping has increased dramatically across the country, including Florida and even in Highlands County.

With the vaping trend continuously rising in schools across Highlands County, the Tobacco Free Partnership and SWAT youth wanted to showcase Tobacco Free Florida Week by flooding youth and adults with information on the dangers of electronic cigarettes and vaping. However, in light of everything happening in the world, the country and in Florida right now- in particular the limitations on movement, people practicing social distancing, and school closures- SWAT and The TFP felt it was necessary to limit the promotion of this years Tobacco Free Florida Week.

However, SWAT and the TFP were determined to get Tobacco Free Florida Week in the minds of our educational institutions, to our partners and to parents in Highlands County. Instead of planning school and community-based celebrations for Tobacco Free Florida Week, we took to this task virtually, by sending an email that highlighted how the e-epidemic has not gone away and also promoted the new materials from Tobacco Free Florida. The emails also included a handout on what parents and educators need to know about youth vaping, which included tips and resources for combating the e-epidemic. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Visible and Cheap, in the Retail Environment, is Where Tobacco Enters Our Community
May 26, 2020

The tobacco industry spends the vast majority of their marketing money in the retail environment – over $1 million/hour to promote their products, in which, most of their marketing efforts are aimed directly to our kids.

Essentially, the tobacco industry is buying shelf space to keep tobacco visible and offering price discounts to keep tobacco cheap. These companies are no fool, what they are really “buying” is youth who initiate - adults who can’t quit!

SWAT Students presented on point-of-sale advertising and local tobacco retail licensing at the Lake Placid City Council Meeting in March.
(From L to R: Hagen John, Austin Coxe, Mia Santana and Hannah Minshew)

In efforts to combat these marketing tactics, the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County has been elbow deep in the retail realm of the tobacco industry for the past few years. During the 2016 – 2017 fiscal year, adult TFP members, along with the help of Highlands County SWAT Youth, conducted over 100 point of sale (POS) store audits, nearly every licensed tobacco retailer in Highlands County.
In short, several key points included,

100% of tobacco retailers sell flavored cigarillos, 80% sell cigarillos in single packs, and 69% of retailers offered price promotions on cigarillos.
48.8% of stores that sold e-cigarettes placed them within 12 inches of toys, candy or gum. (11.5% cigarettes, 27.6% cigarillos, 1.8% smokeless)
Only 59.5% of stores surveyed had an exterior age of sale sign in place
NONE of the retailers in Highlands County are located within 300 feet of schools or parks. However, 9% are within 1000 feet and 50% are within ½ mile of schools or parks.

Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Working Towards Tobacco Free Events in Highlands County
February 26, 2020

Tobacco Free Events provide endless benefits to community members by allowing them to enjoy an event with the worry of being exposed to secondhand smoke or vapor, providing an environment that shows youth, tobacco use is not the norm, and by supporting those that have made the difficult decision to quit the use of tobacco. Tobacco is the number preventable cause of death and disease and Tobacco Free Events send a very important message that the community’s health and well-being are a priority. Together, we can reduce the toll of tobacco on our community through Tobacco Free Events.

For the past few years, creating a safer environment by pushing for more tobacco-free events in Highlands County has been at the forefront of our focus. In fact, the Tobacco Free Partnership worked with the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce at writing and implementing a tobacco-free events policy, along with a tobacco-free worksite policy. The Chamber hosts a multitude of events every year in which thousands of community members in Highlands County attend. This tobacco-free event policy states that all chamber functions and events will be tobacco-free. “The reach of this policy is incredible,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate for QuitDoc Foundation. “Not only does it benefit thousands of people that attend these events, it is also a great way to showcase the value tobacco free event and venue policies, ultimately encouraging other organizations and venues to follow suit.”

The Tobacco Free Partnership is currently working towards another big goal, which is to lead the Highlands County Fairgrounds in this same direction. The annual Highlands County Fair brings more than 10,000 people to the fairgrounds each year. Of that, many of the those are youth, whom are fiercely targeted by Big Tobacco to create lifelong tobacco users. Between flavored tobacco products and the popularity of juuling, our youth are at a substantially high risk of experimenting and picking up a lasting habit. This is why creating environments free of toxic exposure and influence is crucial in fighting this battle and why tobacco free events/venues is a priceless effort to help curb the appeal. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Celebrate Through With Chew Week at the Highlands County Fair
February 15, 2020

Highlands County SWAT Chapter participated in the annual Highlands County Fair from February 7-15th, 2020. The fair has become an annual sponsorship for the Tobacco Free Partnership and this year was a great success with the same theme, but a different approach! The Highlands County Fair took place over 8 days in Highlands County and included fair rides, an exhibit hall, live-stock show, and more. It captured community members, business leaders, youth and parents from all over the county, who were provided with information on the dangers of smokeless tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure.

Moreover, since it was the week before “Through With Chew Week,” the SWAT Clubs kicked off the celebrations a week early, by centering their booth design around the holiday. The students showed up with their SWAT T-shirts on, hand-made signs and TWCW material provided by the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. They also displayed other educational items such as “Mr. Gross Mouth,” and “Mr. Dip Lip,” which were a big hit! In addition, there was a large SWAT graffiti poster hanging and fair goers were encouraged to help decorate the poster and sign their pledge to not use chewing tobacco. The SWAT students also had a lab experiment table, complete with beakers, dry ice and scientist costumes, which brought attention to the Not a Lab Rat Campaign.

“I can’t get over how much exposure we received this year. I am so excited that we were able to reach so many people and deliver the Through With Chew Week messaging,” said Amanda John. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

The Importance of Creating Comprehensive Tobacco-free Worksite Policies
By Amanda John
November 21, 2019

The Tobacco Free Partnership works diligently at helping businesses create smoke and tobacco free workplaces. This is based on the impact that smoke-free workplace legislation, including smoking restrictions in restaurants, has made on youth tobacco use. Smoke-free policies help young people to realize that tobacco use is not a "normal" adult behavior... an attitude that the tobacco industry has marketed for years.

“Tobacco Free Worksite Policies are obviously very important to us, but what most employers do not think about is just how important it is for them,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate with QuitDoc Foundation.

Tobacco free worksites protect employees from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, and can also encourage current tobacco users to reduce their use and help those who are trying to quit. This gives employers the opportunity to reduce the negative impact of tobacco on their employees and their business.

Read More

_________________________________________________________________

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping
November 21, 2019

E-cigarette companies use the same tricks, including flavors and marketing campaigns, that tobacco companies used for decades to target and recruit young smokers (1). Not a surprise considering Big Tobacco companies own or have significantly invested in e-cigarette companies (2,3). These are the same tobacco companies that for decades lied about the addictiveness and health effects of cigarettes (4).

The second annual Not A Lab Rat Day in Highlands County was a great success. Youth at all Highlands Middle and High schools used this opportunity to dispel myths and educate their peers about the e-cigarette industry’s connection to Big Tobacco and infor
m them that when it to comes to e-cigarettes and vaping products, history is repeating itself. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________

Highlands County SWAT Chapter Holds its Second Annual Summer Program
August 15, 2019

The SWAT Chapter of Highlands County held its second summer program in June and July. In the past, summers are relatively quiet since school is out and people are vacationing, and while last year was the first summer program, this year was even busier! The summer program consisted of two days during the week for 4 hours, unlike last year with only one day a week. Not only that, participation dramatically increased from last year’s 3-4 members to anywhere from nine to eleven this year!

The main focus this year was teambuilding and electronic cigarette education in conjunction with the #notalabrat campaign. SWAT youth and advisors met every Monday and Tuesday from 9AM – 1PM and each club had at least one representative at one or more meetings.

“We rarely have SWAT Chapter meetings, only individual club meetings, so it was nice for some of the other SWAT members to meet their peers from other schools,” said Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist in Highlands County. “We did icebreakers, teambuilding and learned so many neat ways to incorporate the #notalabrat campaign in the upcoming school year.”

__________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Worksite Policies in Highlands County
June 10, 2019

Highlands County, Florida - The Tobacco Free Partnership works diligently at helping businesses create smoke and tobacco free workplaces. This is based on the impact that smoke-free workplace legislation, including smoking restrictions in restaurants, has made on youth tobacco use. Smoke-free policies help young people to realize that tobacco use is not a "normal" adult behavior... an attitude that the tobacco industry has marketed for years.

The Partnership is excited to announce that the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce is doing just that with the creation of a tobacco free worksite policy that has placed stricter regulations on employees and visitors. In addition to the worksite policy, the Chamber has also adopted a Tobacco Free Events Policy, which prohibits tobacco use at all events hosted by the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce.

Tobacco free worksites protect employees from the harmful effects of secondhand-smoke, and can also encourage current tobacco users to reduce their use and help those who are trying to quit. This gives employers the opportunity to reduce the negative impact of tobacco on their employees and their business.

One of the primary reasons an employer chooses to adopt a tobacco free workplace is the high cost associated with tobacco use at work. Pack-a-day smokers are estimated to have 75% more lost productive time during the work day than their non-smoking co-workers, and healthcare costs are an average of 34% higher than those who do not use tobacco (Estimating the cost of a smoking employee, 2013). In Florida, the average loss in productivity annually for a tobacco user at the workplace is $4,056. The average extra medical expense for tobacco users is $2,056 (Estimating the cost of a smoking employee, 2013).

For more information about adopting a tobacco free workplace, visit www-tfp-highlands.org or contact Amanda John at ajohn@quitdoc.com. To learn more about the Quit Your Way program, visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/QuitYourWay.

______________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Shares Information on Vaping During Tobacco Free Florida Week
April 28, 2019

Every year, Tobacco Free Florida Week aims to spotlight the importance of tobacco control in our state – whether it’s helping adults quit tobacco, preventing youth initiation, or protecting Floridians from secondhand smoke. This year, The Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida, The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County and other tobacco prevention experts are directing their attention to e-cigarette use (aka vaping) among youth. Youth Vaping has increased dramatically across the country, including Florida and even in Highlands County.

With the vaping trend continuously rising in schools across Highlands County, the Tobacco Free Partnership and SWAT youth wanted to showcase Tobacco Free Florida Week by flooding youth and adults with information on the dangers of electronic cigarettes and vaping. Several schools participated by doing daily announcements on the popular Juul, hanging infographics and making sure their students were given the facts. SWAT youth also created their own signs to hang around campus to educate their peers on the misconceptions they may have.

In recent months, the FDA and the U.S. Surgeon General have issued statements and advisories calling youth vaping a nationwide epidemic. Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Highlands County SWAT Focuses Kick Butts Day Awareness on Youth Use of JUUL
March 20, 2019

Each year, on the third Wednesday of March, schools and communities across the country and around the world organize events for Kick Butts Day - a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco. Kick Butts Day is organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

This year, Kick Butts Day is focused on kicking Juul, the e-cigarette that has become enormously popular among youth across the country and in Highlands County. School officials in Highlands County report Juul usage to be one of their biggest battles with students. There have been a multitude of the devices floating around campus, students are being caught with them, accidentally leaving them in classrooms, selling the devices, as well as the pods, and even lacing them with other substances like THC. This has resulted in administrators and teachers cracking down and law enforcement seizing and testing the pods for other substances.

The SWAT Chapter of Highlands County tackled Kick Butts Day this year by doing a district wide awareness campaign urging their peers not to be a lab rat! Scattered around each middle and high school campus, they placed Kick Butts Day flyers that included messages on the harmful effects e-cigarettes have on the body. From the school entrance, the cafeteria, locker rooms and even in the bathroom stalls, the “Don’t Be A Lab Rat” flyers made a statement and SWAT students don’t plan to stop there. The Not A Lab Rat Campaign will continue throughout the remainder of the year and more than likely into next. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Learn the Benefits of Making Your Events Tobacco-Free!
March 5, 2019

_____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Share Tobacco Prevention Information at the Highlands County Fair
February 16, 2019

Highlands County SWAT Chapter participated in the annual Highlands County Fair from February 9-16, 2019. The fair has become an annual sponsorship for the Tobacco Free Partnership and this year was a great success with the same theme, but a different approach! The Highlands County Fair took place over 8 days in Highlands County and included fair rides, an exhibit hall, live-stock show, and more. It captured community members, business leaders, youth and parents from all over the county, who were provided with information on the dangers of smokeless tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure.

_____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Attend Regional Training
December 5, 2018

Hurricane Michael may have cancelled the originally scheduled Regional 3 SWAT meeting, but it didn’t dampen spirits during the make-up meeting held on November 10, 2018 in Kissimmee, Florida. Maria Ramos and Maritza Palacios, two of our sophomores from Lake Placid High School, attended to represent the SWAT Chapter of Highlands County. The morning was kicked off with interactive icebreaker activities to introduce themselves to other region 3 SWAT members and to get to know them for the remaining of the day filled with group activities.

Photovoice was one of the main topics of the day, which is an excellent tool to use when there is a need to create awareness around a certain issue or concern. The YAB members gave examples of tobacco issues in our communities and showed how Photovoice is an effective tool to raise awareness and to reach state and local policymakers with solutions. In addition, the Not a Lab Rat Campaign was also a huge part of the YAB presentation that included the history and marketing of ENDS, as well as a SWAT call to action. Amendment 9, the FDA cracking down on vaping and lobbying vs. advocating were just a few other topics heard and overall SWAT youth seemed to really enjoy their day! Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Helping Employees Quit Tobacco
November 28, 2018

In observance of the Great American Smokeout (GASO) this year The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County and tobacco prevention program staff encouraged employers across in Highlands County to support their employees to quit smoking. The Great American Smokeout raises awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to help smokers successfully quit.

Grantee staff were thrilled to provide numerous businesses in Highlands County with resources that promoted Tobacco Free Florida’s ‘Quit Your Way’ program, as well as more information on Tobacco Free Worksites and the many benefits of tobacco free employees. Other promotional and fun items were handed out and all of this together created a very informative and exciting display for employees.

“This is such a fun way to raise awareness about the Great American Smokeout and encourage your employees to quit and we plan on celebrating this way every year,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate. “It is a fact that a lot of smokers want to quit, which is why supporting and encouraging them in a positive way may be what it takes for them to commit to quitting.” Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Prepare for the 2018-2019 School Year
September 5, 2018

The SWAT Chapter of Highlands County held its first summer program in June and July. Typically, the SWAT Chapter is relatively quiet in the summertime since school is out and people are vacationing, however when the SWAT advisors mentioned a summer program, members were ALL in!

The main focus this year was teambuilding and electronic cigarette education in conjunction with the #notalabrat campaign. SWAT youth and advisors met every Tuesday from 9AM – 1PM and although attendance was not as high as a typical SWAT meeting, it was nice to have SWAT members from different clubs all in the same place.

_________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Enters Our Community in the Retail Environment, Where it is Visible and Cheap
September 4, 2018

___________________________________________________________________

Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Adopts Tobacco-Free Worksite Policy
June 6, 2018

____________________________________________________________________

The Use of JUUL Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on the Rise Among Highlands County Youth
May 31, 2018

"Juuling". A terrifying, highly addictive new trend that’s vastly popular among teens throughout the United States. JUUL is an electronic nicotine delivery system that is being used at home and even at school with ease, because it is so easy to conceal. In fact, students at school are taking every opportunity they can to take a hit and blowing into their backpacks, hats, or sweaters as soon as their teachers turn around. Not to mention, if you’ve never seen one, you’d have no idea that the slim and sleek USB flash drive looking mechanism is actually storing nicotine, instead of computer files and packs as much nicotine in one pod as an entire pack of cigarettes.

While tobacco use in Highlands County continues to decrease, according to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS), the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) is on the rise. While the manufacturers of JUUL insist that it the device is intended exclusively for adult use, it is appealing to youth because it is easy to conceal, can be charged using a laptop, and the pods are available in flavors such as mango, mint, and chocolate.

“We are very likely to see an increase in the use of ENDS products in the next set of FYTS results that we receive,” said Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist in Highlands County. “The scary part is that some parents have probably seen them, even touched them and had no idea what they were.” Read More

___________________________________________________________________

Rural Communities Such as Highlands County Have Higher Rates of Tobacco Use
February 27, 2018

Most people in this world today realize and have learned the threat tobacco use poses to their health. The serious health risks have been discussed for decades in school health classes, by parents, doctors and by prevention experts and programs. While tobacco use continues to decline, we still have at risk communities all over the United States that have much higher usage rates than others.

Research has shown that rural communities like Highlands County, Florida, are more heavily affected by cigarette and smokeless tobacco use. In fact, the health of people living in rural areas is impacted by tobacco use more so than those in urban and metropolitan areas, often because of socioeconomic factors such as lower levels of education, and higher levels of unemployment.

According to the American Lung Association, smokers living in rural areas are more likely to smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day than smokers living in urban areas.

Because of their low socioeconomic status, those people are also exposed to secondhand smoke more often and are less likely to successfully quit, even after multiple attempts. In addition, teens in rural populations also smoke more and at earlier ages than their urban peers making them replacement smokers for their elder counterparts that have died off from tobacco use. Read More

______________________________________________________________________

Local Tobacco Prevention Efforts are Showcased at Highlands County Fair
February 22, 2018

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County and the Highlands County SWAT Chapter participated in the annual Highlands County Fair from February 9-17th, 2018. The fair has become an annual sponsorship for the Tobacco Free Partnership and this year was a great success with the same theme, but a different approach! The Highlands County Fair took place over 8 days in Highlands County and included fair rides, an exhibit hall, live-stock show, and more. It captured community members, business leaders, youth and parents from all over the county, who were provided with information on the dangers of smokeless tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure.

Moreover, since it was the week before “Through With Chew Week,” the TFP and SWAT Clubs kicked off the celebrations a week early, by centering their booth design around the holiday. The students showed up with their SWAT T-shirts on, hand-made signs and TWCW material provided by the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. They also displayed other educational items such as “Mr. Gross Mouth,” and “Mr. Dip Lip,” which were a big hit!

Perhaps the most exciting change this year was the Skip the Dip “Selfie Station.” Fairgoers and youth were encouraged to take a Healthy Selfie, with the props and backdrop provided. Selfies were posted to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #HighlandsTWCW2018. There were numerous people that stopped to selfie, to chat and to gather material. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

Local Employers Benefit from Adoption of Tobacco Free Workplace Policies
November 16, 2017

Highlands County, Florida – Several local workplaces are making big strides in supporting the health and well-being of their employees by adopting tobacco free workplaces.

For example, Highlands Regional Medical Center adopted a comprehensive tobacco free workplace policy, supporting their employees’ efforts to quit smoking, enhancing their current wellness policies and updating insurance benefits that include money saving incentives to non-nicotine users.

The tobacco free policy includes the hospital grounds. Current employees are able to take free cessation classes through the free Quit Your Way program offered by Tobacco Free Florida and enjoy the benefits of a tobacco free lifestyle.

Additionally, for those businesses that do not offer insurance to employees, there are multiple other avenues to explore while creating policy within the workplace. Many small businesses throughout the county have also adopted tobacco free work site policies that include no-smoking in company vehicles, tobacco free grounds and promoting Quit Your Way to their employees. Read More

_________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Working to Expand Breathe Easy Zones
November 14, 2017

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County coordinates tobacco prevention efforts throughout Highlands County. The primary goal of the group is to create local tobacco-free policies.

Such policy change does not occur overnight. There is a huge educational component that is required to foster policy change. The Tobacco Free Partnership conducts a wide variety of community outreach and educational programs designed to explain the importance, and the need for new, stricter tobacco free policies.

The Partnership works on the following policy initiatives in Highlands County:

The education of the local community on the impact of point-of-sale advertising on youth tobacco initiation.
The creation of new policies reducing youth exposure and access to smokeless tobacco products.
The passage of resolutions by local governmental agencies supporting changes in the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act allowing for local creation of tobacco-free parks and beaches.
Creation of voluntary tobacco-free policies at privately-owned outdoor environments to reduce the impact of secondhand smoke, especially around youth.
The creation of voluntary changes in tobacco policies in multi-unit housing complexes.
An increase in the number of tobacco-free workplaces, including an increase in the number of employers offering tobacco cessation programs to their employees.

Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Options Expand in Highlands County
August 30, 2017

There are many assertions as to why smoke-free housing is the right thing to do. Tenant Rights, Fair Housing, Americans with Disability Act Claims, Quiet Enjoyment, Fire Hazzard, Insurance Claims, Complaints, Unnecessary Damage & Expense. In the end however, many properties just decided it is the right thing to do, which is exactly what FOUR multi-unit housing properties did last quarter in Highlands County, with the help of Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist.

Three of the four properties are managed by Hallmark Properties, who recently decided to make the change and all properties would become smoke-free as of June 2017. Citrus Terrace, Herons Landing and Placid Arms, all in Highlands County, made the big announcement in April and were met with many complaints. However, it was either, quit smoking in your apartment, outside of your apartment and only in designated areas, OR move out. “At first, tenants were outraged, but they got over it once they realized we were serious,” said Libby, Manager at Herons Landing, “they didn’t want to be forced to move out.” Citrus Terrace and Placid Arms managers also reported that they were faced with the same response initially, but overall the transition has been much easier than originally expected.

Highlands Village, a property managed by American Apartment Management, also decided to take the plunge and create a healthier, cleaner environment for their tenants, by implementing a smoke-free policy. Their tenants were equally as outraged and they received major backlash from some saying they would not stop smoking in their apartments and a few even threatened to move out. “We knew it would not be taken seriously at first, but after we had several meetings, put up signage, and created designated smoking areas the mood changed a little bit and people started to calm down,” said Marta Ortega, Manager at Highlands Village.

Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Youth Attend Statewide SWAT Meeting
July 1, 2017

Two Highlands County SWAT youth Lake Placid High School attended the Statewide SWAT meeting that was held in Leesburg Florida June 9-11th.

SWAT youth participated in numerous breakout sessions over the course of three days including: SWAT 101, The SWAT Brand, M.A.D. (Message, Audience, Delivery) Presentation Skills, Your community Your canvas, ENDs and how they are targeting the youth, and how to recruit new SWAT youth. The SWAT youth also participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the three-day event, and the topic of the hunt was the history of SWAT.

Our Region 3 youth participated in the YAB elections and elected new YAB officers to represent our region for the 2017-2018 school year. The highlight of the event was the talent show and red-carpet dance, where students could dance the night away with new and old friends. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Partnership Evaluates Point-of-Sale Tobacco Marketing in Local Retail Outlets
May 17, 2017

The Tobacco Free Partnership has been elbow deep in the retail realm of the tobacco industry the past few quarters. With over 100 store audits assigned throughout Highlands County, stores were surveyed and the data collected has been processed and recorded into the Florida Tobacco Mapper. Phase two has begun in this process, and the Tobacco Free Partnership has completed its needs assessment based on the data collected.

Among the findings, it was discovered that:

Nearly all of the stores selling tobacco products also sold alcoholic beverages (88% sold alcohol)
100% of tobacco retailers sell flavored cigarillos, 80% sell cigarillos in single packs, and 69% of retailers offered price promotions on cigarillos.
Furthermore, 23% of tobacco retailers in Highlands County offered price promotions on non-menthol and menthol cigarettes; 7% offered price promotions for smokeless tobacco; 17% offered price promotions for e-cigarettes.
48.8% of stores that sold e-cigarettes placed them within 12 inches of toys, candy or gum. (11.5% cigarettes, 27.6% cigarillos, 1.8% smokeless)
Only 59.5% of stores surveyed had an exterior age of sale sign in place
72% of stores displayed a We Card sign
The average cheapest price of cigarettes per pack was $3.78
The average price of Newport cigarettes was $6.23
The average price of Blu disposable e-cigarettes was $10.02
The average price of Grizzly Long Cut was $4.74
Only 4.8% of tobacco retailers in Highlands County sell Hookah.
Diet and Regular soda was available in 84% of stores.
100% juice was available in 78.4% of stores, while juice drinks were available in
81.3% of stores and energy drinks were available in 81% of stores.

Read More

______________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Celebrate Earth Day Removing Litter from School Campuses
April 22, 2017

Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the planet's environment and raise public awareness about pollution. It is observed worldwide with rallies, conferences, outdoor activities and service projects and this year the Highlands County SWAT Chapter Hosted several trash clean ups around school campus and nearby properties.

Showing Mother Nature a little love during the days leading up to Earth Day, groups of SWAT youth and SWAT advisors spent several afternoons cleaning up litter around their school campus. Armed with garbage bags, and gloves, the students worked together to make their environment litter free and more beautiful. There were bags and bags of trash that included soda cans, fast food wrappers, lighters, tobacco cans, cigarette butts, batteries, papers, metal scraps, gum wrappers, and one student even found a broken electronic cigarette. It opened their eyes not only making them realize how much people litter, but also how a great portion of their bags included cigarette butts, and smokeless tobacco trash.

While most students participated in the clean-up, each school had an Earth Day inspired table, with examples of the types of litter picked up, and information on smokeless tobacco and other tobacco related information. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Started 2017 with a Bang!
March 13, 2017

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County had a busy beginning of 2017 with two sponsorships.

The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet was the first and was held on January 26,2017. The banquet gathered over 700 employers and business leaders in Highlands County and recognized their achievements over the year. The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership decided to sponsor this event because it would give them the opportunity to network with a multitude of business leaders and provide them with information on the benefits of employer cessation and tobacco free workplace policies.

“We were once again very pleased with the outcome of this sponsorship, as this is the second time we have sponsored this event. We are looking forward to making positive changes in Tobacco Free Worksites in Highlands County,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate with QuitDoc Foundation.

Pictured L to R: Karen Ramos, Simanthe Watson, Kiara Swift attend the Highlands County Fair

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County and the Highlands County SWAT Chapter also participated in the annual Highlands County Fair from February 10-18th, 2017. The fair has become an annual sponsorship for the TFP and this year the booth was focused on smokeless tobacco. The Highlands County Fair took place over 8 days in Highlands County and included fair rides, an exhibit hall, live stock show, and more. It captured community members, business leaders, youth and parents from all over the county, who were provided with information on the dangers of smokeless tobacco and secondhand smoke exposure. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

QuitDoc Foundation and Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness during “Through with Chew Week”
February 10, 2017

Sebring, Fla. – QuitDoc Foundation, The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, the SWAT Chapter of Highlands County and the Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida program are raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco – like chew and dip – during Through With Chew Week. This national public awareness campaign was created to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people, and Tobacco Free Florida aims to help combat this deadly addiction. Through With Chew Week takes place Feb. 19-25, with the Great American Spit Out – a day when smokeless tobacco users join together to quit – on Feb. 23.

Although the youth cigarette smoking rate in Florida decreased over 50 percent between 2012 and 2016, the number of Florida high school students who reported current use of smokeless tobacco products decreased only 24.5 percent in those same four years. The disproportionately higher rate of smokeless tobacco use in rural areas is also alarming – current youth smokeless tobacco use is more than three times higher in rural communities than in non-rural areas. 4.1 percent of youth ages 11-17 in Highlands County reported current use of smokeless tobacco products in 2016, according to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey.

“While we’re proud that youth smoking is at an all-time low, the number of young Floridians using smokeless tobacco is decreasing at a dramatically slower rate,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip. "We need to do more to educate about the risks and deter our young people of using these products.”

To raise awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use, The Tobacco Free Partnership and SWAT Chapter of Highlands County are hosting the a Through With Chew Week themed booth at the Highlands County Fair in Highlands County the week prior to TWCW. In addition, the SWAT clubs will participate in celebrations hosted at a few of the sporting complexes in Highlands County. The events will begin February 10th and run until the last day of Through with Chew Week on Feb. 25, 2017. Read More

_________________________________________________________________

The Issue of Smokeless Tobacco
January 17, 2017

Smokeless tobacco is not burned, contains nicotine and is addictive. Smokeless tobacco is typically called spit tobacco, chewing tobacco, chew, dip, plug, and probably a few other things. Types of smokeless tobacco include:

chewing tobacco, which comes in the form of loose leaf, plug, or twist. The most common, loose leaf, is usually packaged in foil pouches. Chewing tobacco is placed between the cheek and gums.
snuff is finely ground tobacco that can be dry, moist, or packaged in pouches or packets. Some types of snuff are sniffed or inhaled into the nose; other types are placed in the mouth. Moist snug, the most common, is often called dip. It’s placed between the cheek or lip and gums; it requires spitting. Snus is a newer form of moist snuff used in the United States.
dissolvables are finely ground tobacco pressed into shapes such as tablets, sticks, or strips. These products slowly dissolve in the mouth. They come in the form of lozenges, orbs, sticks, and strips. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Traditional Tobacco Use Continues to Decrease Among Highlands County Youth, but E-Cigarette Use Continues to Rise
November 11, 2016

We are excited to announce the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey Results for Highlands County, as well as the statewide data for 2016 is in! This is something the Tobacco Free Partnership and SWAT Students in Highlands County look forward to every other year!

The Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS) was administered in the spring of 2016. A total of 753 public high schools and middle schools in the 67 Florida counties participated in the FYTS. There were 69,640 students who participated in the 2016 FYTS; 33,558 at the high school level and 36,082 at the middle school level. This data is way for public health professionals, students, teachers, parents, and the public to explore data pertaining to youth tobacco use.

In Highlands County, we are happy to announce a decrease in the percentage of youth who have tried cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco. In fact, there was a 3.7% drop in those that have tried cigarettes, 6.7% drop in those that have tried cigars and a 2.5% drop in those that have tried smokeless tobacco.

Additionally, we see similar drops in the percentage of youth who currently use cigarettes (3.7% decrease), cigars (4.6% decrease) and smokeless (.3% decrease). For years, tobacco prevention has been at the forefront of providing education and information to decrease the use of tobacco in the Country, State of Florida and in Highlands County. It seems the work continues to pay off as we have seen a decrease in cigarettes, cigars and smokeless for several years now.

However, the raging epidemic of electronic cigarettes, hookah and vaping that Big Tobacco has created is making a mess of the hard work that we have done to minimize tobacco use in this country. We are seeing these effects nationwide, statewide and throughout Highlands County. In fact, since 2014 there has been an 8.2% increase in the percentage of youth in Highlands County who currently use electronic vaping, and a 13.1% increase in the percentage of youth in Highlands County who have ever tried electronic vaping. Additionally, we also see an increase 3.5% in the number of youth in Highlands County who have tried hookah. Read More

_________________________________________________________________

Local Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Attend Region Meeting in Wauchula County
November 11, 2016

Hurricane Matthew may have cancelled the originally scheduled Regional SWAT Retreat, but it didn’t dampen spirits during the make-up meeting held on November 5, 2016 at the Hardee County Health Department in Wauchula, Florida. Kyle and Hannah Workington, two of our top students from Lake Placid High School, attended to represent the SWAT Chapter of Highlands County. The morning was kicked off with interactive icebreaker activities to introduce themselves to other region 3 SWAT members and to get to know them for the remaining of the day filled with group activities.

Kyle is in his junior year at Lake Placid High School and has been a part of the dual SWAT/PAC club since he was in 7th grade. He currently serves as the club Vice President, is the President of the Junior Class, in National Honor Society and was the SWAT Club King at Homecoming in 2015 and 2016. Kyle plans on pursuing a career in either IT or in Politics and is smart enough to do it! “Kyle is an incredibly smart young man, has a great head on his shoulders, is always willing to help out and I love his enthusiasm for tobacco prevention. He is a STELLAR SWAT youth and a great candidate for next year’s Youth Advocacy Board. The SWAT Chapter of Highlands County is lucky to have such a strong leader,” said Amanda John.

His younger sister Hannah, has been in PAC since she was in 6th Grade. She is currently in her Freshman year at Lake Placid High School and is one of the most active and dependable SWAT Students in the entire SWAT Chapter of Highlands County. She currently does not hold an office, but will be encouraged to do so next year. She was also the SWAT Club Queen at Homecoming in 2016. “We are so lucky to have such a devoted, sweet and caring young girl in our SWAT Chapter of Highlands County and are super thrilled that she has 3 more years in SWAT before she graduates. This girl will move mountains and is an awesome voice for tobacco prevention in Highlands County, as well as statewide,” said Amanda John. Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Florida and Tobacco free Partnership of Highlands County Encourage Tobacco Users to Quit on the Great American Smokeout on November 17.
November 10, 2016

WHO/WHAT: In observance of the Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Tobacco Free Florida and The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County encourage tobacco users to use the date to make a quit plan in advance or to quit smoking on that day – November 17.

The nationally celebrated Great American Smokeout, now in its 41st year, challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps them learn about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit.

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is raising awareness of Tobacco Free Florida’s free and proven-effective resources available to Floridians to successfully quit. The “Quit Your Way” program provides users interested in quitting access to free tools, including a 2-Week Starter Kit of nicotine replacement patches, Text2Quit, Email Tips and a Quit Guide. They can choose as many tools and services as they need, or use them in addition to Tobacco Free Florida’s Phone, Group and Web Quit services. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Discusses New Tobacco Prevention Initiatives for the Upcoming Year
August 26, 2016

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is trying something new this year and changing up the quarterly meeting to a more interactive and innovative way to host the meeting. The first meeting this quarter was held on August 26, 2016 at Nutmegs Café, a locally owned establishment with a charming atmosphere and friendly staff. This choice was made after a Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida workshop training that stressed the importance of being more productive. It’s not only about quantity, rather the quality of the members that you have at your table.

The meeting gave members the opportunity to relax, brainstorm, and enjoy their time processing and discussing tobacco policy initiatives, while enjoying their lunch.

“Let’s face it, people love to eat, they love Friday’s, and who wouldn’t enjoy a hot Italian panini while discussing things they’re passionate about. It’s almost like it isn’t work and your weekend starts early,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate in Highlands County. “It really was a breath of fresh air and even though our attendance was low, we go so much accomplished at the same time! I love the idea of jazzing up a typical meeting and I am really looking forward to the things we accomplish and new people we recruit along the way!”

A large portion of the meeting consisted of a Point-of-Sale mini training and presentation. Recently, Highlands tobacco prevention staff attended a two-day training on Point-of-Sale hosted by Counter Tools and the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. At this training, staff were trained on Big Tobacco’s deceptive marketing and advertising techniques to better appeal to youth, non-smokers and even smokers who are trying to quit. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Avon Park High School Holds Annual SWAT Recruitment Event
August 25, 2016

Perhaps the most successful SWAT recruitment was held at Avon Park High School this quarter. The NOISE, the EXCITEMENT and the LAUGHTER brought so much spirit to Avon Park High School’s rush day. Rush day is a day set aside for all clubs and sports to recruit new members and it was definitely a RUSH being there.

The SWAT club’s sophomore President and long-time member, Savannah Oldfield, did an excellent job reeling people in. The SWAT advisor, SWAT coordinator and Highlands Tobacco Prevention Specialist were also there in hopes to attract students to become a part of the dual SWAT and Pac (Positive Action Club). There was a booth set up with pictures, give aways, flyers and membership forms. The sign-up sheet was full half way through the event and the only thing remaining on the table at the end was a pencil. There were so many students that stopped by to learn more about the SWAT/PAC club and many of them signed the recruitment form, wanting more information and to become a part of the club.

“Today was incredible,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate for QuitDoc Foundation. “We ran into several of our old middle school SWAT students that have now moved up to High School and plan on continuing their SWAT membership. And Savannah… she’s a rockstar! She pulled so many people in with her fun personality and positive attitude, I’m sure this club will increase its membership this year!” Read More

_________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Control Advocates in Highlands County Begin a Survey of Point-of-Sale Tobacco Advertising
June 1, 2016

The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership Members and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) have a new project in the works to assess local tobacco marketing practices at the retail level! This new project is set to begin in Quarter one of our new fiscal year and Tobacco Prevention Specialist Amanda John, will be attending a training to learn more about the new assessments and what that will entail for Highlands County.

“Several of our other counties have already begun participating in this new project and I am so excited to bring this to Highlands County. I’m very anxious to see what this data will show and I am hopeful that this will help initiate additional tobacco control policies within Highlands County, said Amanda.

Tobacco companies spend $10-$13 billion dollars a year to market their products. These companies spend close to $1 billion dollars in Florida alone. This represents $7,700-$10,000 dollars spent to recruit each of the 1.3 million new teenage smokers who pick up their first cigarette every year. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

QuitDoc Foundation Exposes the Risks of Secondhand Smoke
Eighth Annual Tobacco Free Florida Week Aims to Break the Myth that Secondhand Smoke is Harmless
April 28, 2016

Highlands County, Fla. –The Florida Department of Health’sTobacco Free Florida program and QuitDoc are launching a new initiative, Secondhand Smoke Exposed, as part of the eighth annual Tobacco Free Florida Week, taking place May 8-14, to educate Floridians about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

This year’s theme, Secondhand Smoke Exposed, focuses on dispelling the common myth that secondhand smoke is harmless. The fact is that breathing even small amounts of secondhand smoke can be dangerous. Even if there is not a smoker in your home, secondhand smoke can enter your home in a multiunit building through doorways, cracks in walls, electrical lines, plumbing and electrical lines, and even to units on other floors.
Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Youth Work Toward a Tobacco Free Future
March 21, 2016

SEBRING, Fla. – Highlands County’s Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) spoke up and took action against the tobacco industry for the 21st annual Kick Butts Day on March 16. This national day of activism, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, empowers youth to fight back against Big Tobacco.

Every day, about 1,300 people in the United States die because of smoking. In response, the tobacco companies target a new generation of potential customers. A 1984 internal document from R.J. Reynolds’, the makers of Camel, stated: “Younger adult smokers are the only source of replacement smokers… If younger adults turn away from smoking, the industry must decline, just as a population which does not give birth will eventually dwindle.”

Youth and young adults rarely consider the long-term health consequences of smoking when they start. Because of nicotine, a highly addictive drug, three out of four youth smokers continue smoking well into adulthood, often with serious and even deadly consequences. In fact, about half of long-term smokers die prematurely from smoking-related causes. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Continues its Community Education and Outreach
March 4, 2016

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County had a busy beginning of 2016 with two Tobacco Free Worksite sponsorships. The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, gathered over 250 employers and business leaders in Highlands County and recognized their achievements over the year. The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership decided to sponsor this event because it would give them the opportunity to network with a multitude of business leaders and provide them with information on the benefits of employer cessation and tobacco free workplace policies.

With the sponsorship, came an opportunity to decorate a table for further exposure and of course bragging rights. “This was the first year that the Partnership decided to sponsor this event so we went in not knowing the extent of what table decorating meant,” Said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate for QuitDoc Foundation. “This was obviously, a challenge that some people looked forward to every year and take VERY seriously.” The QuitDoc and Partnership table went along with the Chamber theme, which was celebrating 100 Years of the Sebring Chamber. There were cards made with a $100 grand candy bars that read “Save your business $100 grand by changing your tobacco policies.” Or “Save yourself $100 grand and don’t smoke.” There was also a list of 100 things to do in Sebring other than smoking. Read More

____________________________________________________________________

Smokeless Tobacco Use Remains High in Florida
QuitDoc Foundation and Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness during “Through with Chew Week”
February 3, 2016

SEBRING, Fla. – QuitDoc Foundation and the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco, like chew and dip, during “Through With Chew Week.” This public awareness campaign was created to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people and help combat this deadly addiction. “Through With Chew Week” takes place Feb. 14-20.

Youth cigarette smoking rates in Florida are at an all-time low; in addition, just 1.8 percent of high school students in Highlands County reported current use of smokeless tobacco products in 2014, according to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey. This is significantly lower than the state average of 5.4 percent.

“Smokeless tobacco products contain harmful chemicals that are known to cause cancer,” said Shannon Hughes, Director of the Florida Department of Health’s Community Health Promotion. "Youth who use smokeless products are more likely to experiment with other types of tobacco. Studies have shown that adolescent boys who use smokeless tobacco have a higher risk of becoming cigarette smokers.” Read More

___________________________________________________________________

United States Congress Passes Child Nicotine Poisoning Protection Act; The Bill Now Goes to President Obama for His Signature
January 11, 2016

On January 11, 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation requiring that liquid nicotine be sold in child-resistant packaging, consistent with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.The Senate previously approved the legislation (the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act), which is designed to protect children from poisoning from highly concentrated vials of liquid nicotine. The bill now heads to the White House for President Obama's signature.

"In recent years, the marketing of unregulated flavored nicotine products has led to a surge in accidental ingestion by children," said Dr. Barry Hummel, a Pediatrician and Co-Founder of the Quit Doc Foundation. "The new law will hold candy-flavored nicotine, including bubble gum and gummy bear flavored products, to the same standards as other over-the-counter drugs by requiring child-resistant packaging."

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, one teaspoon of liquid nicotine could be lethal to a small child, and smaller amounts can cause severe illness.
"In 2011, there were 271 cases of accidental nicotine ingestion reported to poison control centers," added Dr. Hummel. "That number jumped to 3,783 by 2014, a 14-fold increase. More than half of these cases involved children under the age of 6, the group most vulnerable to severe illness and death." Read More

_____________________________________________________________

The Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Start the Year in Grand Style!
November 20, 2015

The Highlands County SWAT Chapter has had a HUGE quarter! The 7 clubs that make up the Highlands County SWAT Chapter, had 12 total meetings and participated in several community events. Officers were elected in a few of the newer clubs, new SWAT t-shirts and other materials were handed out to members, recruitment events proved to be effective, and SWAT Sweethearts appeared in the High School Homecoming parades.

Students at our 4 middle schools participated in SWAT promoted Red Ribbon Week Events. They dressed in their SWAT shirts for one of the dress days, hung SWAT signs they created to advertise about Red Ribbon Week and the dangers of using tobacco. The students also participated in the statewide SWAT Hashtag challenge, by taking photos of themselves with their signs and using the designated hash tag provided by Youth Advocacy Board. Although, Highlands County didn’t make it in the top 10 like they did the month prior, they tried very hard and raised awareness while doing it!

Homecoming Parade

The Lake Placid High School Club and the Avon Park High School Club had the club president represent SWAT in the 2015 Lake Placid High School Homecoming Parade and the 2015 Avon Park High School Homecoming Parade! Signs were made and hung on the side of their flashy vehicles, which brought SWAT lots of attention. This is the first year that SWAT has had a representative in the homecoming parades in many years and the clubs now plan to do this every year! Read More

________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Partnership Sponsors Drug Free Highlands Red Carpet Event
November 14 , 2015

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County sponsored Drug Free Highlands’ annual Red Carpet Event on November 14, 2015. This was the second annual event, which boasted many of the children and families in Highlands County. The classic movie Lion King was shown at the authentic Circle Theater in downtown Sebring, and there were lights, glitz and glam! It was a genuine red carpet experience, complete with red carpet, paparazzi style photography, and children and parents dressed to the nines.

This is the second time The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County sponsored this event, and definitely will not be the last. “This family friendly event is a perfect addition to Highlands County community-wide events, it does a great job at attracting community members, it brings a sense of family togetherness, and is such a positive experience for families. The mission and vision aligns perfectly with that of the Tobacco Free Partnership and we are so proud to sponsor an event that is not only about family, but also about a safe, drug and tobacco free environment for everyone,” said Amanda John, Community Health Advocate with QuitDoc Foundation. “We are able to reach hundreds of people with our message through this event, and we will do whatever it takes to promote a tobacco free lifestyle and sponsoring this event in the future is definitely on that list!” Read More

Red Carpet Event

__________________________________________________________________

Teen Smoking Rates at All-Time Low
E-Cigarette Use On the Rise, Cause for Concern
September 23, 2015

TALLAHASSEE – Youth cigarette smoking rates in Florida are at an all-time low according to new data released on Tuesday by the Florida Department of Health. Conventional cigarette use among Florida high school students dropped from 8.6 percent in 2013* to 6.9 percent in 2015 – a 19.7 percent change. The Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS) also showed declines in other combustible and traditional smokeless products.

“Floridians should be proud of the historic progress made in the state to reduce the number of young cigarette smokers,” said Community Health Promotion Division Director Shannon Hughes. “Since voters approved the constitutional amendment to create Tobacco Free Florida, high school cigarette smoking has gone down an impressive 52.4 percent.”

This new report also marks another important, but more troubling trend. Current e-cigarette use among high school students has increased – from 5.4 percent in 2013 to 15.8 percent in 2015. Hookah use among high school students has also increased, from 8.2 percent in 2013 to 9.7 percent in 2015. Since 2009, when FYTS began tracking current hookah use, the rate has increased 26 percent. Read More

FYTS 2015 Trend Data

__________________________________________________________________

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Program is Off to an Early Start This School Year!
September 9, 2015

After a quiet summer season, the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter in Highlands County is kicking off quarter one with a BIG start!

Though the summer months seem slightly slower since school is out, there is still work to be done and this summer that hard work has paid off! The SWAT Chapter has added an additional 3 High School Clubs to the mix!

SWAT Recruitment

Last year the SWAT Chapter had very active clubs at Avon Park Middle School, Hill Gustat Middle School, Lake Placid Middle School, and Sebring Middle School and while the clubs were very active, we knew we needed more! We are so very excited to announce that Avon Park High School, Lake Placid High School and Sebring High School will all be starting brand new clubs this quarter! Read More

_________________________________________________________________

Highlands County’s Tobacco Prevention Program Identifies New Goal Areas
September 1, 2015

As the 2015-2016 fiscal year begins, the tobacco prevention program in Highlands County has identified their new goal areas to promote tobacco free social norms in the community.

QuitDoc Foundation was awarded a grant in 2012 by the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida to provide tobacco prevention programs in Highlands County. For the past 4 years, these programs have included youth prevention, such as the Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter, tobacco free workplaces, smoke-free multi-unit housing, and measures to counteract marketing of candy flavored tobacco products and retail advertising. QuitDoc Foundation also facilitates the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, which includes partners and stakeholders in the community.

This year marks the beginning of a new fiscal year and new areas of focus for the tobacco free program. The program has partnered with Counter Tools, a non-profit provider of proprietary software tools, training, and technical assistance to facilitate policy changes affecting tobacco marketing in the retail environment. This partnership will allow Highlands County to become better trained in the point of sale area.

The Highlands County program will also focus on tobacco free worksites, growing on previous successes, and potentially securing several more. Assistance will also be provided to housing properties with connected units, such as apartment complexes and retirement homes, in efforts to go tobacco free.

Leukoplakia

Another new area of focus this year is smokeless tobacco, including smokeless use at public places, events, and youth sports leagues. The goal is to reduce youth use of smokeless tobacco throughout Highlands County, a leading cause of oral cancers, gum disease, and tooth decay... Read More

________________________________________________________________

Warning Labels and Child-Resistant Packaging on Liquid Nicotine Bottles
A Letter from Florida Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong
July 22, 2015

There have been a number of media stories recently concerning the regulation of packaging for liquid nicotine intended for use in electronic cigarettes. The rapid increase of e-cigarette use by teens and the number of calls to poison centers involving e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine is an alarming public health concern. The state of Florida urges immediate guidance from federal regulators and calls for increased vigilance from parents, businesses and e-cigarette users to keep these items away from children.

Liquid Nicotine Poisonings

Child-resistant packaging on bottles and cartridges of liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery devices are necessary to protect infants and children. If swallowed or absorbed through the skin, liquid nicotine can lead to serious illness or even death. In fact, the number of calls to poison centers involving e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine rose from one per month in September 2010 to 215 per month in February 2014, according to a study published last year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than half of the calls to poison centers due to e-cigarettes involved young children under age 5. The number of calls per month involving conventional cigarettes did not show a similar increase during the same time period... Read More

_________________________________________________________________

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Wraps Up Another Successful Year!
June 10 , 2015

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County held its final meeting for the fiscal year in May and has so much to look forward to with the new fiscal year right around the corner.

The Partnership currently has 17 members and meets once per quarter, however, that will soon be changing. Partnership members have decided to add additional meetings to the calendar and meet every month, rather than quarterly. “I think this will benefit the partnership in many ways,” says Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist. "Not only will it increase exposure in the community, but it will also increase participation and membership, something the Partnership needs more of!” This new schedule will begin in August with the meetings being the second Wednesday of every month.

During the past year the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County has been very busy promoting tobacco-free initiatives in the community. There have been numerous presentations to various organizations on Point of Sale Advertising, Flavored Tobacco, the K-12 Tobacco Control Model, Smoke Free Multi Unit Housing and Employee Cessation. Read More

___________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Celebrate World No Tobacco Day
May 31, 2015

The Highlands County SWAT Chapter has done an outstanding job this quarter, and is ending this school year with a bang by celebrating World No Tobacco Day.

The SWAT Clubs at Avon Park Middle School, Hill Gustat Middle School, Lake Placid Middle School, and Avon Park Middle School made posters to hang in the cafeteria and other high traffic areas in the schools. They also took pictures in front of them and posted them to their social media accounts with their own clever World No Tobacco Day hashtags. The students were excited about this because it caused quite the buzz with students all over campus the following day, and gave SWAT members the opportunity to promote SWAT and bring attention to the purpose of World No Tobacco Day.

Unwrap the Truth

“I love seeing the students get so pumped about raising awareness to their peers. We are so lucky in Highlands County to have some of the most positive and inspirational students around and the SWAT Chapter is stronger because of it,” said Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist in Highlands County. “ I am sad to see this year come to an end, but looking forward to learning new things over the summer to make the Highlands County SWAT Chapter even stronger in the Fall! Read More

_____________________________________________________________

Why School Tobacco Policy Matters
By Tracy DeCubellis, April 28, 2015

The topic of tobacco use in schools has been important for popular culture and academic research throughout the years. Rock and Roll songs about smoking in school and movies showing rebellious teens smoking on campus are part of public perception about school tobacco use. Since Brownsville Station observed back in 1973, “everybody knows that smoking ain’t allowed in school,” why does it still happen? That is what researchers want to know.

School Bus

A recent look at school tobacco policies in Michigan and how they affect student smoking had some interesting results as reported in the Journal of School Health.

There is a statewide initiative in Michigan that encourages schools to create a 24/7 tobacco policy that covers on and off-campus activities and applies to all students, staff, and visitors. This is similar to the school policy being encouraged in Florida through the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. Using the Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the researchers looked at data reported by students. They also looked at data from 14 schools using the Michigan School Health Profiles report. The study also looked at individual and school-based variables that they thought would influence student tobacco use.

The results of the study showed that some school policies are indeed correlated with lower student tobacco use. The findings suggest that schools should create a school-wide anti-tobacco message and culture. This could include being sure students know the school tobacco policy, as well as giving students the message only a small percentage of adults actually use tobacco... Read More

________________________________________________________________

Students Working Against Tobacco in Highlands County Celebrate Through With Chew Week
February 21, 2015

Through with Chew Week is an annual effort to call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco products. This public awareness campaign is designed to reduce the use of smokeless tobacco among young people.

The Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter participated in Through with Chew Week this year in a very creative and entertaining way! Each middle school club created their own scripts, then starred and filmed their own skits depicting the harmful ingredients and dangers of using smokeless tobacco.

SWAT
Amanda John (far right) and SWAT Students at HGMS that were a part of th
e writing and filming of the Through with Chew Skit.

Each club had a blender, beef jerky, sprite, water, brown sugar and gray cake decorating balls that were blended together to call attention to the harmful ingredients in spit tobacco. Beef jerky symbolized tobacco, sprite symbolized benzene, water symbolized formaldehyde, brown sugar symbolized arsenic and the gray cake decorating balls were lead... Read More

___________________________________________________________________

QuitDoc Awarded Tobacco Prevention Grant for Highlands County
February 6, 2015

Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation (QuitDoc) has once again been awarded a grant from the State of Florida Department of Health to continue to provide tobacco awareness and prevention programs throughout Highlands County. The programs are designed to reduce the number of teenagers who start smoking each year, to decrease the number of tobacco related deaths, and to provide information on appropriate methods to quit smoking.

The program is funded from a trust fund created with money paid to Florida as part of a settlement with the tobacco industry in 1997. Florida sued the tobacco industry to recoup the cost of providing medical services to Florida residents that were caused by the use of tobacco. The funding has been used to create Tobacco Free Florida, a comprehensive statewide tobacco prevention and cessation program.

“The Tobacco Free Florida program has been incredibly successful at reducing tobacco use among youth and adults in Florida,” reports Dr. Barry Hummel, a Pediatrician who co-founded QuitDoc. “Use of traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and spit tobacco are now at historic lows in the state among all age groups.”
Read More

2014 FYTS Youth Rates

__________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Partnership Sponsors Drug Free Highlands Annual Big Night Out to Promote Prevention Issues
December 5, 2014

Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation and the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County has continued their excellent partnership with Drug Free Highlands (DFH) for the past few years. The DFH Director and Chairman play an active role in the Partnership, the groups host a dual PAC (Positive Action Club) and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) club, and also support community wide events that the Partnership and DFH host.

This quarter the Tobacco Free Partnership had the opportunity to sponsor Drug Free Highlands first annual Big Night Out red carpet event that was held during Week of the Family. Hosted at the Circle Theater, this event was a great opportunity for families to get dressed up in semi-formal wear and have a unique red carpet experience in Highlands County that promoted family togetherness and fun! The Circle Theater was all decked out with decorations and its feature presentation was the popular 80’s movie, Big. Families enjoyed refreshments, the show and their quality time spent together. For a first annual event it turned out very well and Drug Free Highlands anticipates hosting this event next year as well. “Promoting positive family traditions and communication was at the center of this event,” says Aisha Alayande, Director of Drug Free Highlands. “We wanted to stress how strengthening families encourages youth to make healthy decisions.” Read More

Left to right; Larry Moore, Monica O’Neil, Jackie Rawlings, Wendy Amos, Aisha Alayande
Pictured here are a few of the masterminds behind the creation of Drug Free Highlands’ first annual Big Night Out.

________________________________________________________________

Valentine Pool Service Celebrates the Great American Smoke Out by Creating a Tobacco Free Workplace
November 21, 2014

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County has been increasingly busy this quarter with employer cessation activities. Between one employer going 100% Tobacco Free and the Great American Smoke Out, this quarter has seen much success!

On November 6, 2014, Community Health Advocate, Amanda John, met with Denise Valentine at Valentine Pool Service and conducted an ECC Employer Interview to access their employee cessation benefits. This is a very small employer, with 8 employees, and of those 4 employees smoke. Valentine expressed her concern with smoking because she was a previous smoker and after several cessation attempts was finally able to quit.

Since she started the business Valentine has allowed smoking in company vehicles, on customer property and outside the office and admitted that it has been hard to take that away after allowing it for so long. However, during the meeting was convinced this is what she needed to do. Valentine decided that as of December 1, 2014, employees will no longer be able to smoke while on the job, nor will they be provided smoke breaks. Valentine states, “My employees may not be very happy with me at first, but I hope this change will spark their interest and push them towards a healthier lifestyle... Read More

Great AMerican Smoke Out

___________________________________________________________________

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) in Highlands County are Back in Action at the Start of the 2014-2015 School Year
September 15, 2014

The Highlands County SWAT Chapter has another busy year ahead! Between the celebration of smoke free holidays, community events and school wide events each club is sure to capture the attention of others and continue to spread the anti-tobacco message.

At the conclusion of the last school year, the SWAT Chapter had about 70 members and 6 different clubs. There were several very successful recruitment activities and as a result, the clubs have had several new members join the pack this quarter already.

The Lake Placid High School Club SWAT Club and the Sebring High School SWAT Club are seeking advisors this year and are actively on the hunt. The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is also on the look-out for those who may be interested... Read More

___________________________________________________________________

CVS Health Promotes Tobacco Cessation as the Pharmacy Chain Stops Selling Tobacco
September 3, 2014

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is gearing up for their event at CVS to thank them for their recent choice to remove tobacco products from their shelves.

The partnership had originally scheduled this event for October 1st, which was the original date CVS stated they would stop selling tobacco products. However, CVS pulled tobacco products a month early and as of September 3, 2014, no longer carries any type of tobacco product. The SWAT Students and Partnership members plan on taking thank you letters and signage to all local CVS stores in Highlands County.

A representative of The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County contacted CVS in Sebring to make sure their tobacco products were already gone and to get an idea of their thoughts on this big step that CVS has taken. She was met with excitement and received a confirmation that all local CVS no longer had any tobacco products.

“We have gotten a lot of compliments and many people are so very happy about it,” said Debbie, CVS Store Associate. “We’ve been tobacco free since September 3rd.” Debbie also admitted that there have been several people that had no idea CVS had made this choice and were upset, even though it has been all over the news for some time now... Read More

_______________________________________________________________

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Clubs Wrap Up the School Year with Several Activities
June 1 , 2014

The last few months have been very exciting for the Highlands County SWAT Chapter! There was a new club formed, two very successful recruitment activities, and the celebration of World No Tobacco Day! It can’t get much better than that!

Lake Placid High School (LPHS) became the newest SWAT Club in Highlands County and is under the direction of Ms. Jill Scott, teacher at the school. Ms. Scott has an excellent relationship with students and staff at LPHS and was able to recruitment several members to kick off the club. The club held a recruitment activity on May 19th, in conjunction with the 9th grade orientation night, and met numerous incoming freshman that are eager to become a part of SWAT.

“I am thrilled that I’ve been given the opportunity to be the advisor for SWAT,” said Jill Scott. “I just know that you will see great things from this club in the future!”

Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Amanda John, was also so happy to welcome Ms. Scott as the new SWAT Advisor at Lake Placid High School. “After the first meeting with Jill, I knew she was going to take the SWAT Club at LPHS in the right direction,” said Amanda... Read More

APMS SWAT
Avon Park Middle School Students prepare for World No Tobacco Day
Left to Right: Ashley Paoli, Aiden Porter, Tally Aquirrey (APMS Students)

__________________________________________________________________

Florida Teens Win Top Awards Among
Youth Advocates Working Against Tobacco
Two Florida High School Students Were Honored in the Nation’s Capital
May 22 , 2014

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Magi Linscott, a Santa Rosa County high school student and Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) youth advocate, was named the National Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. This is the highest award among the country’s top youth advocates working against tobacco.

Chandler Ash from Gilchrist County was named the Southern Region Youth Advocate of the Year. Both Florida teens were honored in Washington, D.C., on May 15 along with three other U.S. regional winners and a group winner. More than 400 public health, political, civic and business leaders attended the 18th annual gala to recognize these young leaders.

The Youth Advocates of the Year Awards honor outstanding young people who are among today's most effective leaders in tobacco control. These youth have fought hard to protect their generation from the dangers of tobacco by promoting tobacco prevention legislation, exposing tobacco marketing to kids, and keeping their peers from using tobacco... Read More

Florida Youth Advocates of the Year

__________________________________________________________________

Fair Haven Villages Adopts a Smoke-Free Policy for Staff and Residents
May 15 , 2014

Recently, The Tobacco Partnership of Highlands County collaborated diligently with multi-unit housing property, Fair Havens Villages, to successfully implement a smoke-free policy.

Fair Haven had talked about making the change for quite some time, but never acted upon it. The support that the Partnership provided Fair Havens Villages might have been just the motivation that they needed!

"I'm glad our property is going smoke free because I can't stand cigarette smoke, and for health issues for employees and residents," Said Katherine Wyse, Resident Service Coordinator of Fair Havens Village, the most recent property to go smoke free in Highlands County... Read More

Fair Haven

____________________________________________________________________

Highlands Teens Tell Big Tobacco:
We are Not “Replacements”
March 29, 2014

The tobacco industry is losing customers. Not only are more smokers quitting, every day, an estimated 1,315 people in the United States die because of smoking.

In response, the tobacco industry targets a new generation of potential nicotine addicts, which they call “replacement smokers.” A 1984 internal document from R.J. Reynolds’, the makers of Camel, stated: “Younger adult smokers are the only source of replacement smokers… If younger adults turn away from smoking, the industry must decline, just as a population which does not give birth will eventually dwindle.”

On Kick Butts Day, Highlands’s Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Clubs throughout Florida spoke up and took action to let Big Tobacco know they will be not replacements. Kick Butts Day, which this year was celebrated on March 19, is the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids national day of activism that empowers youth to fight back against Big Tobacco

Highlands Kick Butts Day

Highlands SWAT clubs were out on Spring Break for Kick Butts day, but celebrated on Saturday, March 29th at the Lakeshore Mall. Students met at 11am with “Not a Replacement Signs,” and held them up in the food court. Students were surprised at how many people stopped to ask them what their signs meant! An example of one sign read, “I am NOT a Replacement, I am a High School Football Star!”

“This selfie statement is something fun and creative for the students to do, but is also a great way to raise awareness and have other students stop and ask questions like, ‘what does that mean?’” said Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist in Highlands County... Read More

__________________________________________________________________

Students Working Against Tobacco Clubs Start Off the New Year with a Bang!
March 1, 2014

Between electing officials, Threw with Chew Week and the Highlands County Fair, Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) in Highlands County have been making great strides towards bettering their community since the start of the New Year!

“Christmas Break must have given the SWAT Students plenty of rest because they came back ripping and rearing to go,” Said Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist in Highlands County.

Highlands County’s only community based club, Str8UP SWAT Club, came back from Christmas break with big plans. But first they needed to distinguish a little leadership within their group. There were 4 official positions that the club determined was important; President, Vice President, Secretary and also the newly created title of Social Media Specialist, in charge of taking photos at all meetings and events. After much deliberation, Syndey Wells was elected President, Tete Goldsmith was elected Vice President, Kaylesha Legree was elected Secretary and Isabela Retamoza was elected Social Media Specialist. “With this group of leaders, this club is sure to ROCK,” said Mrs. John... Read More

STR8 UP SWAT Officers, From L to R: Vice President Tete Goldsmith; Secretary Kaylesha Legree;
President Syndey Wells; Social Media Specialist Isabela Retamoza

___________________________________________________________________

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Celebrates the Great American Smoke Out on Local School Campuses
November 21 , 2013

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, part of the statewide Tobacco Free Florida program, had a message for tobacco users during this year’s Great American Smoke Out: There is a Quitter In You!

The purpose of the annual Great American Smoke Out, observed this year on Thursday, Nov 21st, was to set aside a day for smokers to find their inner “quitter”. This observance is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to successfully quit.

“The most important step a smoker can take for a healthier and longer life is to quit smoking,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “We urge Floridians to take advantage of our resources, and what better time to do so than during the Great American Smoke out. The American Cancer Society has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to help smokers quit.” Read More

GASO Postcard

___________________________________________________________________

STR8 UP Youth Ministry Partners with the Tobacco Free Partnership of HIghlands County to Create a Faith-Based SWAT Club in Lake Placid
November 15 , 2013

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County was happy to welcome its first ever community-based SWAT club this quarter.

STR8 UP Youth Ministry is a non-denominational faith- based community youth center. It is the vision of Sammy and Dana Telesco, inspired by the Holy Spirit. The STR8 UP Youth House is a safe place for middle and high school age young people to come and learn about Jesus, get academic help, and enjoy athletics and much more, all under the guidance of mentors and tutors.

On November 15th, Dr. Barry Hummel and Amanda John hosted a recruitment event at STR8 UP in Lake Placid. Dr. Hummel did a presentation to over 40 kids and obviously made a huge impression because over 16 kids signed up for SWAT... Read More

STR8 UP

___________________________________________________________________

Amanda John joins the Quit Doc team as the
Tobacco Prevention Specialist in Highlands County
September 23, 2013

Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation is proud to announce Amanda (Sherley) John as the new Tobacco Prevention Specialist for Highlands County.

Amanda is a 28 year Highlands County resident with great ties to her local community. Amanda has been involved in Drug Free Highlands, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Alliance, Healthy Start, Leadership Highlands. She has also served as an Ambassador for the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce.

Amanda John

As an alumnus of the University of Florida, Amanda is a Florida Gator at heart! Amanda graduated from UF in 2008, where she earned her Bachelor degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism with Specialization in Event Management. After trying her hand at a few different career options, she found her true passion in the field of substance abuse prevention, working for her local Drug Free coalition as the Project Coordinator... Read More
____________________________________________________________________

Frequently-Asked Questions About E-Cigarettes
By Tracy DeCubellis, M.S., Gilchrist County Tobacco Prevention Specialist
September 20, 2013

Recently, many people have come to me with questions about an emerging product on the market called e-cigarettes. There has been a lot of confusion about e-cigarettes, and most people have limited information gathered from advertisements or word of mouth from friends. I have put together the most frequently asked questions about e-cigarettes, along with the answers, to inform communities with currently updated information.

What is an e-cigarette?
An e-cigarette is a battery-powered nicotine delivery device that contains a cartridge filled with what the manufacturers often call “liquid”. This “liquid” often includes candy flavoring, nicotine, and chemicals to create a “vapor”. Most e-cigarette companies offer cartridges of differing nicotine levels, although no testing has been conducted to verify those claims.

E-Cigarette Components

Are e-cigarettes considered tobacco?
The FDA has jurisdiction over tobacco products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, and has stated the intent to regulate e-cigarettes as a tobacco product... Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners Adopts a Resolution Asking Retailers to Stop the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products that Target Youth.
June 18, 2013

On June 18, 2013, the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a Resolution encouraging local retailers to voluntarily halt the sale of flavored tobacco products targeting youth.

The resolution was brought forward by the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County to draw attention to the growing problem of flavored tobacco products that are not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the FDA banned the sale of flavored cigarettes in September 2009, flavored cigars, spit tobacco, and electronic cigarettes have exploded in the marketplace. The FDA has been granted the authority to regulate these products under The Family Tobacco Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (2009), they have yet to exercise that authority over the growing list of flavored products... Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Quit Doc’s Dr. Barry Hummel speaks to the Lake Placid Rotary Club about the Tobacco Free Partnership and Employer Cessation Benefits
May 16, 2013

Dr. Barry Hummel, Co-Founder and Communications Director of the Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation, addressed the Lake Placid Rotary Club on tobacco prevention issues at their weekly meeting on May 16, 2013.

Dr. Hummel shared information on the work of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, and the goal of the coalition to reduce youth tobacco use locally. “You may not think of it this way, but tobacco use is a Pediatric epidemic,” Dr. Hummel told the group. “85% of new tobacco users start between the ages of 12 and 17, before it is even legal for them to purchase tobacco.”

Dr. Hummel explained that this leads to roughly 440,000 deaths each year as a result of tobacco use. “These are adults that are dying, which is why we don’t think of it as a Pediatric problem,” added Dr. Hummel. “The reality is that we need to do more to protect our children.” Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

SWAT Students from North Florida and Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation Produce a Short Film on the Issue of Flavored Tobacco Products that Target Youth
April 24, 2014

Students from six counties in North Central Florida joined forces to write and produce "Who is the Target", a short film that focuses on the use of flavored products as a youth marketing strategy by tobacco companies.

The Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation helped produce the film, setting up a temporary studio at their office in Ocala, Florida. The staff converted a spare office by suspending a simple blue screen from the ceiling. "It is the same technique used by your local weatherman," said Dr. Barry Hummel, who directed the film. "It allows us to put graphic information behind the students during the editing process to reinforce each point they are trying to make."

Fourteen students from Alachua, Clay, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Marion Counties were asked to contribute facts and information on the issue of flavored tobacco products that are not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The students then recorded the information at the make-shift studio... Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Sandblast at the Beach: Students Working Against Tobacco Host Their Annual Event!
April 14, 2013

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) and Pinellas County hosted the annual Sandblast event “Treasure Island” on St. Petersburg Municipal Beach on April 14th, 2013. The purpose of this event was to coordinate youth advocacy efforts with 15 SWAT county chapters of SWAT with the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida. Two of Highlands County’s SWAT members, Tatiana Matos and Iesha Spencer, attended the event this year.

The students created and manned a Pledge Booth, where participants attending the event drew outlines of their hands and pledged not to use tobacco products by writing five reasons inside the outline. Amongst brightly colored tents and large blow up slides, the Gulf of Mexico and the stretch of sandy white beaches provided a perfect backdrop for SWAT students as they educated over 400 middle school-aged youth with anti-tobacco messages... Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Local Students Working Against Tobacco Clubs Educate Community About Flavored Tobacco at Highlands County Fair
by Tatiana Matos, Sebring High School SWAT President
March, 2013

Winter Green, Twista Chill, Orange, Berry Berry. These names sound like some of your favorite sweet treats, right? Actually, they’re the names of some of the more popular candy flavored tobacco products, flavors that youth and young adults here in Highlands County are finding more and more attractive.

This year Students Working Against Tobacco Clubs (SWAT) participated in the Highlands County Fair. “Our theme was Candy Flavored Tobacco because we wanted to educate the public, especially the youth and young adults, on the different forms of flavored tobacco products on the market,” said Tatiana Matos, President of the Sebring High School SWAT Club.” She went on to say that, “Big Tobacco companies manufacture these products and target our young people with products like cigars, cigarillos, chew, and spit tobacco products and they treat them with fruit flavors to mask the naturally harsh taste of the tobacco.” Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

City of Avon Park Passes a Resolution Encouraging Retailers to Voluntarily Restrict the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products
February 25, 2013

By a 3-1 vote, the Avon Park City Council passed a Resolution encouraging local retailers to restrict the sale of fruit and candy-flavored tobacco products not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Adminstration. The lone dissenting vote was cast by Councilman Garrett Anderson.

The vote immediately followed a presentation by Dr. Barry Hummel, Co-Founder of the Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation, the fiscal agent of The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County... Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Is There a Quitter in You?
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County and Alan Jay Automotive Network Commemorate the Great American Smokeout.

Sebring, Fla. - The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County, part of the statewide Tobacco Free Florida program, had a message for tobacco users during this year’s Great American Smokeout: There is a Quitter In You!

The purpose of the annual Great American Smokeout, observed this year on Thursday, Nov. 15, is to set aside a day for smokers to find their inner “quitter”. This observance, currently in its 37th year, is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The event is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to successfully quit... Read More

_____________________________________________________________________

Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation Awarded Tobacco Prevention Grant for Highlands County

The Quit Doc Research and Education Foundation has been awarded a grant from the State of Florida Department of Health to provide tobacco awareness and prevention programs throughout Highlands County. The programs are designed to reduce the number of teenagers who start smoking each year, to decrease the number of tobacco related deaths, and to provide information on appropriate methods to quit smoking... Read More

News and Events

Highlands County SWAT Chapter: Growing. Learning. Teaching March 10, 2023

County Approves Ban on Smoking, Vaping in County-Owned Parks By Jessica Carlson March 1, 2023

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Holds Final Meeting of 2022 December 7, 2022

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping October 19, 2022

Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership Names Laura Andrews as 2022-2023 Chair September 19, 2022

Highlands County SWAT Chapter: Growing, Learning, Teaching September 14, 2022

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Wraps up Another Productive Year! June 1, 2022

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County was the Entertainment Sponsor of the 2022 Sebring Soda Festival April 3, 2022

Visible and Cheap, in the Retail Environment, is Where Tobacco Enters Our Community March 17, 2022

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Shares Information at the Highlands County Fair February 28, 2022

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County: Crucial for Tobacco Prevention and Education December 20, 2021

Highlands Students Working Against Tobacco Youth are Working Hard to Educate on the Dangers of Tobacco Use November 29, 2021

Learn About the Mission of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County October 1, 2021

The QuitDoc Foundation Continues to Advocate for a Tobacco Free Future in Highlands County September 9, 2021

Highlands County has a New Tobacco Prevention Specialist! July 14, 2021

The Tobacco Free Partnership will Continue in Highlands County with QuitDoc Foundation as the Fiscal Agent June 8, 2021

COVID and Social Distancing Can’t Keep Highlands SWAT Youth from Advocating for The First Tobacco Free Generation May 28, 2021

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Shares the Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco! February 21, 2021

Quitting Smokeless Tobacco is More Important Than Ever This Through With Chew Week! February 15, 2021

Highlands County Calls for Quit Attempts, Awareness During Great American Smokeout November 19, 2020

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping November 18, 2020

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Making Plans for the 2020-2021 Year! September 21, 2020

Highlands County SWAT Holds Modified Summer Program Due to COVID-19! September 8, 2020

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Celebrated Tobacco Free Florida Week Virtually! June 10, 2020

Visible and Cheap, in the Retail Environment, is Where Tobacco Enters Our Community May 26, 2020

Working Towards Tobacco Free Events in Highlands County February 26, 2020

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Celebrate Through With Chew Week at the Highlands County Fair February 15, 2020

The Importance of Creating Comprehensive Tobacco-free Worksite Policies By Amanda John November 21, 2019

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping November 21, 2019

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Planning for Another Big Year! September 9, 2019

Highlands County SWAT Chapter Holds its Second Annual Summer Program August 15, 2019

Tobacco Free Worksite Policies in Highlands County June 10, 2019

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Shares Information on Vaping During Tobacco Free Florida Week April 28, 2019

Highlands County SWAT Focuses Kick Butts Day Awareness on Youth Use of JUUL March 20, 2019

Learn the Benefits of Making Your Events Tobacco-Free! March 5, 2019

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Share Tobacco Prevention Information at the Highlands County Fair February 16, 2019

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Attend Regional Training December 5, 2018

Helping Employees Quit Tobacco November 28, 2018

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Prepare for the 2018-2019 School Year September 5, 2018

Tobacco Enters Our Community in the Retail Environment, Where it is Visible and Cheap September 4, 2018

Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Adopts Tobacco-Free Worksite Policy June 6, 2018

The Use of JUUL Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on the Rise Among Highlands County Youth May 31, 2018

Rural Communities Such as Highlands County Have Higher Rates of Tobacco Use February 27, 2018

Local Tobacco Prevention Efforts are Showcased at Highlands County Fair February 22, 2018

Local Employers Benefit from Adoption of Tobacco Free Workplace Policies November 16, 2017

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Working to Expand Breathe Easy Zones November 14, 2017

Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Options Expand in Highlands County August 30, 2017

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Youth Attend Statewide SWAT Meeting July 1, 2017

Tobacco Free Partnership Evaluates Point-of-Sale Tobacco Marketing in Local Retail Outlets May 17, 2017

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Celebrate Earth Day Removing Litter from School Campuses April 22, 2017

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Started 2017 with a Bang! March 13, 2017

QuitDoc Foundation and Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness during “Through with Chew Week” February 10, 2017

The Issue of Smokeless Tobacco January 17, 2017

Traditional Tobacco Use Continues to Decrease Among Highlands County Youth, but E-Cigarette Use Continues to Rise November 11, 2016

Local Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Attend Region Meeting in Wauchula County November 11, 2016

Tobacco Free Florida and Tobacco free Partnership of Highlands County Encourage Tobacco Users to Quit on the Great American Smokeout on November 17. November 10, 2016

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Discusses New Tobacco Prevention Initiatives for the Upcoming Year August 26, 2016

Avon Park High School Holds Annual SWAT Recruitment Event August 25, 2016

Tobacco Control Advocates in Highlands County Begin a Survey of Point-of-Sale Tobacco Advertising June 1, 2016

QuitDoc Foundation Exposes the Risks of Secondhand Smoke Eighth Annual Tobacco Free Florida Week Aims to Break the Myth that Secondhand Smoke is Harmless April 28, 2016

Highlands County Youth Work Toward a Tobacco Free Future March 21, 2016

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Continues its Community Education and Outreach March 4, 2016

Smokeless Tobacco Use Remains High in Florida QuitDoc Foundation and Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness during “Through with Chew Week” February 3, 2016

United States Congress Passes Child Nicotine Poisoning Protection Act; The Bill Now Goes to President Obama for His Signature January 11, 2016

The Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Start the Year in Grand Style! November 20, 2015

Tobacco Free Partnership Sponsors Drug Free Highlands Red Carpet Event November 14 , 2015

Teen Smoking Rates at All-Time Low E-Cigarette Use On the Rise, Cause for Concern September 23, 2015

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Program is Off to an Early Start This School Year! September 9, 2015

Highlands County’s Tobacco Prevention Program Identifies New Goal Areas September 1, 2015

Warning Labels and Child-Resistant Packaging on Liquid Nicotine Bottles A Letter from Florida Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong July 22, 2015

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Wraps Up Another Successful Year! June 10 , 2015

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Celebrate World No Tobacco Day May 31, 2015

Why School Tobacco Policy Matters By Tracy DeCubellis, April 28, 2015

Students Working Against Tobacco in Highlands County Celebrate Through With Chew Week February 21, 2015

QuitDoc Awarded Tobacco Prevention Grant for Highlands County February 6, 2015

Tobacco Free Partnership Sponsors Drug Free Highlands Annual Big Night Out to Promote Prevention Issues December 5, 2014

Valentine Pool Service Celebrates the Great American Smoke Out by Creating a Tobacco Free Workplace November 21, 2014

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) in Highlands County are Back in Action at the Start of the 2014-2015 School Year September 15, 2014

CVS Health Promotes Tobacco Cessation as the Pharmacy Chain Stops Selling Tobacco September 3, 2014

Highlands County SWAT Chapter: Growing. Learning. Teaching
March 10, 2023

County Approves Ban on Smoking, Vaping in County-Owned Parks
By Jessica Carlson
March 1, 2023

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Holds Final Meeting of 2022
December 7, 2022

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping
October 19, 2022

Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership Names Laura Andrews as 2022-2023 Chair
September 19, 2022

Highlands County SWAT Chapter: Growing, Learning, Teaching
September 14, 2022

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Wraps up Another Productive Year!
June 1, 2022

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County was the Entertainment Sponsor of the 2022 Sebring Soda Festival
April 3, 2022

Visible and Cheap, in the Retail Environment, is Where Tobacco Enters Our Community
March 17, 2022

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Shares Information at the Highlands County Fair
February 28, 2022

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County: Crucial for Tobacco Prevention and Education
December 20, 2021

Highlands Students Working Against Tobacco Youth are Working Hard to Educate on the Dangers of Tobacco Use
November 29, 2021

Learn About the Mission of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County
October 1, 2021

The QuitDoc Foundation Continues to Advocate for a Tobacco Free Future in Highlands County
September 9, 2021

Highlands County has a New Tobacco Prevention Specialist!
July 14, 2021

The Tobacco Free Partnership will Continue in Highlands County with QuitDoc Foundation as the Fiscal Agent
June 8, 2021

COVID and Social Distancing Can’t Keep Highlands SWAT Youth from Advocating for The First Tobacco Free Generation
May 28, 2021

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Shares the Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco!
February 21, 2021

Quitting Smokeless Tobacco is More Important Than Ever This Through With Chew Week!
February 15, 2021

Highlands County Calls for Quit Attempts, Awareness During Great American Smokeout
November 19, 2020

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping
November 18, 2020

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Making Plans for the 2020-2021 Year!
September 21, 2020

Highlands County SWAT Holds Modified Summer Program Due to COVID-19!
September 8, 2020

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Celebrated Tobacco Free Florida Week Virtually!
June 10, 2020

Visible and Cheap, in the Retail Environment, is Where Tobacco Enters Our Community
May 26, 2020

Working Towards Tobacco Free Events in Highlands County
February 26, 2020

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Celebrate Through With Chew Week at the Highlands County Fair
February 15, 2020

The Importance of Creating Comprehensive Tobacco-free Worksite Policies
By Amanda John
November 21, 2019

Not A Lab Rat Day Exposes How History is Repeating Itself When It Comes to Vaping
November 21, 2019

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Planning for Another Big Year!
September 9, 2019

Highlands County SWAT Chapter Holds its Second Annual Summer Program
August 15, 2019

Tobacco Free Worksite Policies in Highlands County
June 10, 2019

Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Shares Information on Vaping During Tobacco Free Florida Week
April 28, 2019

Highlands County SWAT Focuses Kick Butts Day Awareness on Youth Use of JUUL
March 20, 2019

Learn the Benefits of Making Your Events Tobacco-Free!
March 5, 2019

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Share Tobacco Prevention Information at the Highlands County Fair
February 16, 2019

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Attend Regional Training
December 5, 2018

Helping Employees Quit Tobacco
November 28, 2018

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Prepare for the 2018-2019 School Year
September 5, 2018

Tobacco Enters Our Community in the Retail Environment, Where it is Visible and Cheap
September 4, 2018

Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Adopts Tobacco-Free Worksite Policy
June 6, 2018

The Use of JUUL Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on the Rise Among Highlands County Youth
May 31, 2018

Rural Communities Such as Highlands County Have Higher Rates of Tobacco Use
February 27, 2018

Local Tobacco Prevention Efforts are Showcased at Highlands County Fair
February 22, 2018

Local Employers Benefit from Adoption of Tobacco Free Workplace Policies
November 16, 2017

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County is Working to Expand Breathe Easy Zones
November 14, 2017

Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Options Expand in Highlands County
August 30, 2017

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Youth Attend Statewide SWAT Meeting
July 1, 2017

Tobacco Free Partnership Evaluates Point-of-Sale Tobacco Marketing in Local Retail Outlets
May 17, 2017

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco Celebrate Earth Day Removing Litter from School Campuses
April 22, 2017

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Started 2017 with a Bang!
March 13, 2017

QuitDoc Foundation and Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness during “Through with Chew Week”
February 10, 2017

The Issue of Smokeless Tobacco
January 17, 2017

Traditional Tobacco Use Continues to Decrease Among Highlands County Youth, but E-Cigarette Use Continues to Rise
November 11, 2016

Local Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Members Attend Region Meeting in Wauchula County
November 11, 2016

Tobacco Free Florida and Tobacco free Partnership of Highlands County Encourage Tobacco Users to Quit on the Great American Smokeout on November 17.
November 10, 2016

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Discusses New Tobacco Prevention Initiatives for the Upcoming Year
August 26, 2016

Avon Park High School Holds Annual SWAT Recruitment Event
August 25, 2016

Tobacco Control Advocates in Highlands County Begin a Survey of Point-of-Sale Tobacco Advertising
June 1, 2016

QuitDoc Foundation Exposes the Risks of Secondhand Smoke
Eighth Annual Tobacco Free Florida Week Aims to Break the Myth that Secondhand Smoke is Harmless
April 28, 2016

Highlands County Youth Work Toward a Tobacco Free Future
March 21, 2016

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Continues its Community Education and Outreach
March 4, 2016

Smokeless Tobacco Use Remains High in Florida
QuitDoc Foundation and Tobacco Free Florida are raising awareness during “Through with Chew Week”
February 3, 2016

United States Congress Passes Child Nicotine Poisoning Protection Act; The Bill Now Goes to President Obama for His Signature
January 11, 2016

The Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter Start the Year in Grand Style!
November 20, 2015

Tobacco Free Partnership Sponsors Drug Free Highlands Red Carpet Event
November 14 , 2015

Teen Smoking Rates at All-Time Low
E-Cigarette Use On the Rise, Cause for Concern
September 23, 2015

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Program is Off to an Early Start This School Year!
September 9, 2015

Highlands County’s Tobacco Prevention Program Identifies New Goal Areas
September 1, 2015

Warning Labels and Child-Resistant Packaging on Liquid Nicotine Bottles
A Letter from Florida Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong
July 22, 2015

The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County Wraps Up Another Successful Year!
June 10 , 2015

Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Celebrate World No Tobacco Day
May 31, 2015

Why School Tobacco Policy Matters
By Tracy DeCubellis, April 28, 2015

Students Working Against Tobacco in Highlands County Celebrate Through With Chew Week
February 21, 2015

QuitDoc Awarded Tobacco Prevention Grant for Highlands County
February 6, 2015

Tobacco Free Partnership Sponsors Drug Free Highlands Annual Big Night Out to Promote Prevention Issues
December 5, 2014

Valentine Pool Service Celebrates the Great American Smoke Out by Creating a Tobacco Free Workplace
November 21, 2014

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) in Highlands County are Back in Action at the Start of the 2014-2015 School Year
September 15, 2014

CVS Health Promotes Tobacco Cessation as the Pharmacy Chain Stops Selling Tobacco
September 3, 2014

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Clubs Wrap Up the School Year with Several Activities
June 1 , 2014