Webinar: Tobacco 21

Momentum to raise the tobacco sales age from 18 to 21 has been growing in cities and counties throughout Minnesota. Whether you’ve heard a lot or a little about the policy, you probably have some questions. You might be wondering: Has this policy shown reductions in youth tobacco use? Is it worth working on a local policy or waiting for a state law to pass? How do I respond to my community’s questions about this topic?

This webinar will share the rationale behind local Tobacco 21 policies and the positive impact they have had on reducing youth smoking rates. We will also answer your questions about building community support on this topic and how to work with your local decision makers who might not be convinced of the benefits. An update on state legislative activity on this policy will also be shared.

Participants will leave knowing:

• The impact of Tobacco 21 policies on youth tobacco use and the research which supports it.
• The value of passing this policy locally.
• The influence local policies have on creating statewide change and reductions in youth tobacco use.
• Responses to community members’ frequently asked questions and concerns about implementing this policy.
• Lessons learned from community organizers in Minnesota who have passed a Tobacco 21 policy.
• Talking points, tips, and tools to pursue this policy in your community. These tools include: an assessment to gauge community readiness, methods for community engagement, draft ordinance language and letter templates.

Date: Tuesday April 2, 2019

Time: 11:00 – noon CDT

Register Here

Presenters:

Esha Seth

Esha Seth has served as the Technical Assistance Program Coordinator at the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota for over 4 years. In this role, she has worked with SHIP grantees and community organizations from across the state to provide strategic guidance, tools, and resources to help them succeed in their tobacco prevention initiatives including smoke-free parks, tobacco-free grounds, and point of sale tobacco initiatives.

Alisha Fussy

Alisha Fussy has worked for Mille Lacs County for approximately 4 years as a Health Educator and SHIP Coordinator. She serves the Partners in Healthy Living Region of Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine Counties. In her primary role as SHIP Coordinator, Alisha leads the tobacco strategy and prevention work with emphasis on the point of sale. In addition, she works within the SHIP grant on chronic disease prevention through policy, systems, and environmental changes across various settings. Alisha works through a variety of close partnerships with communities, schools, healthcare facilities, and work sites to increase access to healthy foods and physical activity while ensuring access and equity to all.

Register here