News and Events
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.
“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 through a unique avenue such as the Selfie Station, said Amanda John. “I feel like it generated more traffic this year and it certainly was a big hit. The selfies are being voted on and a winner will be selected within the next couple of weeks.”
For more information on the Tobacco Free Partnership, SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) or for tobacco cessation resources, contact Amanda John, Tobacco Prevention Specialist at ajohn@quitdoc.com.
