TOBACCO/ Vapping Cessation
Lead: Mary Lou Schmidt
Project team: Tobacco Free Sonoma County Community Coalition, Impact Sonoma
Project Intern: Cynthia Piña
Description: Tobacco exposure and use, especially among young people who would have a lifetime of health and mental impacts from nicotine and tobacco addiction, is considered an epidemic by the FDA. Sebastopol City Council, by passing their Tobacco Retail License (TRL), has provided a model of Tobacco Retail Licensure regulations for Sonoma County. GHAC supports the adoption of similar TRLs in other areas of the County and by the County Board of Supervisors. GHAC will lead and participate in efforts to address tobacco use and vaping, especially among young people 14-21.
Goals
Help to align all entities in Sonoma County with similar TRLs so youth have limited opportunities to obtain tobacco and vaping products.
Attend council meetings, write letters of support, conduct surveys with quantitative and qualitative measures related to tobacco and vaping use
Challenges
Knowing the extent of the problem is the first step. Developing interventions to address the problem requires time, resources, direct participation by youth, and a coordinated effort across organizations. All are challenges to be addressed.
Opportunities
Support available from Project Supported through the Internship program
Progress: First steps have been taken in identifying the vaping issues at Analy High. Beginning to develop educational tools for high school students.
