Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action Focuses onPreventing Youth Nicotine Addiction

National Day of Action of April 1 looks to stop the 7,600 kids in Wisconsin who try cigarettes for the first time each year

Milwaukee, WI:

Youth advocates, public health leaders, and community partners across Wisconsin will mark Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action today, April 1. Events and outreach are planned to focus on protecting children from tobacco use and nicotine addiction.

Despite decades of progress, tobacco use continues to pose a serious threat to Wisconsin youth. Each year, an estimated 7,600 children under age 18 try cigarettes for the first time in the state. At the same time, more than 15% of Wisconsin high school students use e-cigarettes. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the state, claiming over 7,900 lives annually and costing Wisconsin billions in health care expenses and lost productivity.

“Take Down Tobacco Day is a powerful reminder that we must continue working to protect kids from a lifetime of addiction and disease,” said Lorraine Lathen, director of the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN). The WAATPN is coordinating Take Down Tobacco events in Milwaukee with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “The tobacco industry still spends millions marketing addictive products, including flavored e-cigarettes, that appeal to young people. We know what works to reduce youth tobacco use, and Wisconsin must remain committed to prevention, education, and strong public health policies.”

In the lead-up to April 1, youth advocates and community partners across the country have spent the past 100 days holding the tobacco industry accountable for targeting young people with addictive products.

Take Down Tobacco events that happened in Milwaukee include:

• The El Bethel FACT Group, led a “Take Down Tobacco” event at Health Connections Inc’s Annual Intergenerational Health Fair & Charity Basketball Game
• Over 50 Shalom High School students led a day-of-action at the school on March 18.  
• El Bethel FACT members and Girl Scout troops led a Take Down Tobacco event at Cream City lens on March 28.
• El Bethel FACT members celebrated “Take Down Tobacco” during the COGIC In-District Youth Meeting on March 28.

The youth conducted educational outreach, public awareness demonstrations, and other advocacy activities aimed at preventing a new generation from becoming addicted to tobacco. Learn more about Take Down Tobacco Day activities nationwide here.

Media are invited to connect with the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network for interviews with public health experts about youth tobacco use trends, prevention efforts, and policy solutions.

About Tobacco Free Kids

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund are the leading advocacy organizations working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization separate from, but affiliated with, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

About Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network

The Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network is a state-funded program based in Milwaukee that works to eliminate tobacco disparities and promote healthier communities. Among the issues it provides education and resources on are menthol, flavored tobacco, available cessation resources and other support.

About FACT

FACT is Wisconsin’s youth-driven tobacco prevention movement. They work to spread the FACTS about tobacco to peers, adults, elected officials and others.