Tobacco Prevention Program

Tobacco takes a huge toll on all our communities, and we need your support to make a difference. We are working with community organizations and leaders committed to educating others about tobacco use, helping protect kids from tobacco, and strengthening local policies, especially those that protect the public from secondhand smoke. You can learn more on this page about what we are doing locally. Together, we can help create a healthier community. We hope you will be inspired to act.

Youth and Tobacco Issues

Despite a decrease in the number of smokers in recent years, more than 18,900 kids (under age 18) in Florida become new cigarette smokers each year. Considering nine out of 10 smokers start by age 18, it’s crucial to prevent kids from using tobacco during these pivotal years. Many youth have the attitude that they can “stop smoking at any time.” Unfortunately, the reality is quite different.   Tobacco Free Florida along with Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) and local partnerships, are committed to reduce youth smoking and tobacco use rates. We are educating youth and adults about how the tobacco industry targets youth, protecting young people from “starter” products like candy flavored tobacco and little cigars, and working with the community to limit our children’s access and exposure to tobacco. Because almost all smokers begin when they are kids, if we are able to eliminate youth smoking, we can end the tobacco epidemic.

Visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com to protect the people from the dangers of tobacco.

For more information, contact:

Arely Sapp 
Program Coordinator 
850-614-6070

Yamina Edwards 
SWAT Coordinator
850-614-6069