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Smoke-Free Summit Drives Tobacco-Free Initiatives in Our Community
November 19, 2024
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.
PDNHF Initiative: A Smoke-Free Paso del Norte
Although current youth smoking rates have decreased, the use of electronic cigarettes and youth vaping has now overtaken smoking. According to the recent National Youth Tobacco Survey, E-cigarettes were the most commonly ever used tobacco product overall. Less is known about vaping, but science confirms that nicotine negatively affects the adolescent brain and is addictive. E-cigarette use among youth also is linked with use of other tobacco products as well as alcohol and marijuana abuse.
Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States.
View Strategy Brief (English)
View Strategy Brief (Español)
Foundation Staff: Audrey Garcia
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