Tobacco Free
Living commercial tobacco free is one of the most impactful choices you can make to improve your health, live longer and protect those around you! It also means minimizing your exposure to secondhand smoke where you live, work and play.
Resources
- Quit Partner and My Life My Quit: Youth and adult commercial tobacco treatment for anyone who is seeking commercial tobacco treatment options
- MDH School Toolkit for Teachers
- Dont Blow It - Facilitated Videos and Discussion for educators
- Minnesota Student Survey and Bridge to Health Data
Policies
- Policies that impact the retail sale environment and reduce access and use of tobacco products by youth and adults.
- School policy options that support students who are caught vaping
- Smokefree Housing policies that protect individuals, children and families renters from harmful smoke exposure in multi-unit housing.
Support
- Advocacy efforts to reduce the use of e-cigarettes, menthol, and flavored tobacco in our communities.
- Trainings offered for school staff to learn about vape devices, and resource options to address vaping in the school setting
- Training for professionals in the behavioral health and substance abuse settings to increase the level of cessation support for their disproportionately impacted patients.
The Threat of Big Vaping In McGregor, MN
improving together
Northeast SHIP partners with the American Lung Association in Minnesota to improve lives by promoting lung health in our region. We work together on policy change and provide support in schools with presentations, resources, and solutions to support a commercial tobacco free future for young people.
You’re 14 years old, and see a TV commercial advertising vapes that come in fruity, tasty flavors.
E-cigarettes are available in fruit and candy flavors; flavored tobacco products appeal to youth.
A majority of Minnesota high school students (88.4%) have seen ads for e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.
A group of your friends order vapes online the next day.
E-cigarettes are available for purchase online despite federal restrictions on sales to anyone under 18.
Three months later, you are bringing your vape to school, sports practice, and using at home. It is now a daily occurrence.
Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain.
Because the brain is still developing until about age 25, youth and young adult exposure to nicotine can lead to addiction and disrupt attention and learning.
NE SHIP gives a presentation at your school. You learn about the negative health effects of vaping and how companies market to teens to get them hooked. You’re offered supports to help you quit.
E-cigarette usage by Minnesota 11th graders fell from 26% in 2019 to 14% in 2022. 8
Teens in Minnesota can text or call “My Life, My Quit”, a free and confidential quit-nicotine program. 8
Do you know your school policy on vaping? How about your local tobacco ordinance? Wondering about tobacco treatment options or ways to quit? SHIP can help! Connect with us to schedule a meeting.
SHIP can help! Connect with us to schedule a meeting.
Key Tips to remember
Find a Healthy Distraction
When the urge to smoke hits, engage in a positive activity like going for a walk, practicing deep breathing exercises, or chewing sugar-free gum. Physical activities and mindfulness techniques can significantly reduce cravings and help manage stress, making it easier to stay smoke-free.
Stay connected
Surround yourself with support from friends, family, or support groups. Studies show that people who have a strong support system are more likely to succeed in quitting smoking long-term. You're not alone on this journey to a healthier, smoke-free life!
Celebrate Your Progress
Did you know that within just 20 minutes of quitting smoking, your heart rate and blood pressure start to drop back to normal levels? Keep celebrating each day smoke-free, knowing that you're actively improving your health.
Connect
Want to know more about how vaping impacts your community? Need quit resources for adults or youth? Want a presentation at your school or organization? Reach out! SHIP can work with you to reduce vaping and commercial tobacco use in your school and community. Please include details of your request in the ‘Message’ portion of the contact form.
