Share this:

Join Cincinnati STAND Campaign in their movement to stop youth from smoking tobacco.

 

Cincinnati STAND Campaign
Stand up and speak out against tobacco!

Cincinnati STAND Campaign is a youth-led campaign to encourage kids, ages 11-17, to stand up and speak out against tobacco. The group aims to eliminate the cultural acceptance of tobacco use and counter tobacco advertising.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirms that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. It accounts for more than 480,000 deaths annually (including secondhand smoke).

 

Receive our newsletter for all things Black Cincinnati!

 

Each day, approximately 2,500 kids try smoking for the first time. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), nearly nine out of 10 smokers reported using tobacco before age 18.

 

This is why Cincinnati STAND focuses on preventing youth smoking initiation. ODH launched a statewide campaign to engage kids, ages 11-17, in interactive, anti-tobacco initiatives and selected the Cincinnati Health Department (CHD) as a grant recipient.

 

Cincinnati STAND Campaign
Cincinnati STAND Campaign is committed to de-normalizing tobacco use amongst its peers.

CHD worked with Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) to create and implement its smoke-free housing policy, which went into effect in 2016.

 

CHD chose to launch Cincinnati STAND Campaign with kids living in CMHA properties within the city limits.

 

Cincinnati Health Department selected Winton Hills, Spring Grove Village, English Woods, North, South Fairmount, and Evanston as priority communities for the campaign.

 

 

Related Article: Cincinnati youth education programs

 

 

Traditionally, stores in underserved communities have higher numbers of tobacco ads displayed. They also have a more significant percentage of retail ads dedicated to tobacco.

 

In addition to increased exposure to tobacco advertising, residents in these neighborhoods experience health inequities caused by unequal access to social, political, economic, and environmental resources.

 

Cincinnati STAND Campaign
The Cincinnati STAND Campaign will continue to share its anti-tobacco message.

Tobacco companies spend over $1 million per hour marketing their products at the point of sale (POS). This type of marketing disproportionately affects groups such as youth, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with low income or education. POS marketing tactics include advertisements, price promotions, and product displays.    

 

This year, the youth groups conducted tobacco store assessments to collect data on how tobacco products are marketed in their communities. Of the 14 stores assessed, 100% offered flavored tobacco products (appealing to kids) at less than $1.00 each (affordable for kids). The group will continue conducting store assessments and sharing their findings with community leaders and members.

 

 

Related Article: Cincinnati summer jobs for teens!

 

 

Eliminating the cultural acceptance of tobacco use and countering tobacco advertising.

Cincinnati STAND Campaign is committed to de-normalizing tobacco use amongst its peers. Approximately 20 youths ages 11-17 are actively involved in neighborhood outreach, media appearances, community partnerships, and social media engagement.

 

 

The goals of the campaign are as follows.

 

  1. Educate youth about the hazards of using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, vape pens, and hookahs.
  2. Educate community leaders and members on the tactics used by tobacco companies to target youth and our communities.
  3. Advocate for the adoption of comprehensive tobacco-free school policies in Cincinnati.
  4.  Conduct tobacco retailer compliance checks to ensure that tobacco is not sold to kids under 18.

 

The Cincinnati STAND Campaign will continue to share its anti-tobacco message with peers by using traditional and non-traditional marketing channels:

  • participating in community parades and public events
  • presenting to youth groups and community partners
  • distributing information in their neighborhoods
  • sharing content on social media
  • creating artwork with anti-tobacco messages

 

Join Cincinnati STAND Campaign in their movement to stop youth from smoking tobacco.

So that you know – group members are available to speak to the young people in your community if requested. Stop at the booth for more information on how to keep teens from smoking tobacco. Tell everyone about us, and share our messages on social media.

 

If you want more information about Cincinnati STAND Campaign, contact Tonia Smith, Tobacco Free Living Coordinator at the Cincinnati Health Department, at 513-357-7274.

 

 

Related Article: Good books for African American 

 

 

Written by: Crystal Kendrick

 

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.

 

Images provided by Cincinnati STAND Campaign 

Share this:

Written by Crystal Kendrick

Publisher, The Voice of Black Cincinnati