Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death and disease in the world, killing an average of 88 Floridians daily. DOH-Manatee’s Tobacco Prevention program works to reduce the negative impact of tobacco on our community through Tobacco Free Manatee and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco).
Tobacco Free Manatee
Tobacco Free Manatee partnership promotes health and wellness through changes in systems and policies that decrease secondhand smoke exposure, prevent and reduce tobacco use among youth, and reduce the number of current tobacco users.
Goals
- Sustain a statutorily mandated comprehensive tobacco education and sue prevention program.
- Encourage Manatee County youth and adults to quit tobacco use.
- Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults.
- Eliminate Manatee County residents’ exposure to secondhand smoke.
Areas of Focus
- Reduce the tobacco industry’s influence in marketing to youth at the Point of Sale.
- Establish policies for Tobacco-Free Beaches and Parks in Manatee County.
- Implement and support SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) clubs in Manatee County.
- Establish policies for Tobacco-Free Schools in Manatee County.
- Establish policies for Cessation Access.
- Establish Smokefree Multiunit housing in Manatee County.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
SWAT is Florida’s statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate, and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT empowers middle and high school students and young adults to advocate for policy change on issues related to the tobacco industry, including the marketing of tobacco products to youth. SWAT members play an extremely important role in the community by educating their peers and the public about tobacco and its negative consequences.
