The Jefferson County Drug Free Coalition is working on a number of initiatives in the community to ensure youth do not have access to tobacco and e-cigarette products.
According to the most recent statewide survey, the use of e-cigarettes is rising sharply among youth even though the use of combustible cigarettes and other tobacco products is decreasing. According to the most recent school survey, 1 in 5 high school students in Jefferson County currently use e-cigarette products.
One approach the coalition is taking is looking at the retail environment to see how these products are displayed, advertised and marketed to make them more appealing to youth. According to a retail assessment study done in Jefferson County between 2017 and 2018, 97% of e-cigarettes sold by retailers were flavored. Studies show that flavored tobacco products contribute to youth initiation. The coalition recently conducted a retail survey to examine the store’s use of warning signs, which can be effective in sending a message about the store’s policies about checking ID and not selling to youth. Each of the surveyed stores received a “Report Card” from the coalition about how well they did on various indicators that affect youth access.
Youth can also obtain tobacco and e-cigarette products from friends, family members, online or other ways.
According to the coalition’s recent Parent Survey, the perception among parents is that youth can access these products easily. On the questions about access, 57% of parents said it was “easy” or “very easy” for youth to obtain cigarettes and 62% said it was “easy” or “very easy” for youth to obtain e-cigarettes. A more in-depth study is needed to identify the most likely sources of youth tobacco and e-cigarette products.
One valuable resource for parents and community members about the changing nature of tobacco and e-cigarette products is the Tobacco is Changing website from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services: dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobaccoischanging.
Youth and adults who want to quit using tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, should call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
The Jefferson County Drug Free Coalition (JCDFC) aims to prevent and reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse among youth ages 12-18, and the greater community through county-wide collaboration. The work of JCDFC targets youth ages 12-18 living in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. Jefferson County is a suburban and semi-rural county located between two metropolitan areas of Madison and Milwaukee. The activities the JCDFC focuses on community education related to substance use, youth engagement in prevention activities, and increasing capacity of the coalition through recruitment, training, and collaboration. The Jefferson County Drug Free Coalition is supported by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
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