Smoke-Free Summit Drives Tobacco-Free Initiatives in Our Community

The Paso del Norte Tobacco Control Network (TCN) recently hosted its Smoke-Free Summit, gathering over 100 dedicated professionals from various organizations committed to building a tobacco-free community. This event provided attendees with the latest insights, trends, and strategies for combating commercial tobacco use.

From 2023 to 2024, current (previous 30-day) use of any tobacco product declined among high school students from 12.6% to 10.1%, largely driven by the declines in high school e-cigarette use (from 10% to 7.8%). During 2024, e-cigarettes remained the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youths; nicotine pouches were the second most commonly used tobacco product. (National Youth Tobacco Survey)

Highlights from the summit sessions included:

• Youth Cannabis Use and National Trends: Updates on evolving trends in youth cannabis use and broader national insights.
• Emerging Tobacco Products: Exploration of new and emerging products like electronic nicotine delivery systems and nicotine pouches, with a focus on counteracting marketing tactics that target youth.
• Local Treatment and Intervention Strategies: Discussion of effective, evidence-based treatments and local intervention programs, including challenges and successes.
• Youth Vaping Prevention: Lessons and challenges in youth vaping prevention, especially in school and community settings, as shared by three community organizations.
• Retailer Proximity to Schools and Parks: Emphasis on the need for policies that regulate the proximity of tobacco and e-cigarette retailers to schools and parks to protect youth from exposure.

The Summit offered participants valuable opportunities to network, share knowledge, and collaborate on strategies to advance tobacco-free initiatives. Attendees left with actionable insights to strengthen their work in reducing tobacco use and fostering healthier communities.

Get Involved: Learn more at vapfreepdn.org. To join the Tobacco Control Network, visit smokefreepdn.org/tobacco-control-network.

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation is a partner of the Tobacco Control Network and supports A Smoke-Free Paso del Norte Initiative. Click here to learn more.