Initiatives
A few of the initiatives the Tobacco-Free Workgroup will be working on for the 2011-2012 fiscal year include:
- Establish and maintain countywide SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) Clubs
- Promotion of Florida Quitline and tobacco cessation services
- Create policy and system changes that reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure
- Activities, presentations, and program interventions to reduce and prevent tobacco use
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
Cigarette smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Tobacco use accounts for a staggering 1 out of every 5 deaths in the United States each year, and 89% of adult daily smokers began smoking before the age of 18. Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is Florida’s youth tobacco prevention organization. SWAT clubs are located throughout Florida and are committed to developing leadership skills in youth through training in tobacco issues, media literacy, policy development process, presentation skills, and evaluation. SWAT members are 11-17 years old and work to mobilize, educate and equip Florida’s youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future.
If you are interested in joining SWAT or establishing a SWAT club, please contact the Tobacco Program at the Miami-Dade County Health Department at (305) 278-0442.