News and Events

Dixie County SWAT Students Celebrate Through With Chew Week
February 21, 2018

To raise awareness about the dangers of smokeless tobacco use, the Tobacco Free Partnership and the Dixie County High School SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) hosted a Through with Chew Week Booth at the Dixie County High School on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, during both lunches.  All Students, staff and Administrators were encouraged to stop by learn more about smokeless tobacco. 

The SWAT youth decided that the students at Dixie County High School needed to learn more about the dangers of smokeless tobacco so they conducted a balloon pop that required the students to read smokeless tobacco facts over the sound system before they could pop the balloons.  Many of the students were amazed at the fact that smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing chemicals. 

10.8% of Dixie County youth reported to be current users of smokeless tobacco, which is lower than the previous year reports, but still much higher than the state average at 2.2% on the 2016 Florida Tobacco Youth Survey.  A higher percent of Dixie County students report using smokeless tobacco than use cigarettes, cigars or hookah.  Over 20% reported to ever have tried smokeless. 

In particular, rural communities have experienced challenges in battling smokeless tobacco use. Individuals living in these areas are more likely to use tobacco – particularly smokeless tobacco. The students at Dixie County High School shared examples of family, friends and peers that are smokeless tobacco users.  There were concerned for their health. 

    

For more information, contact Melanie Anderson, Dixie County Tobacco Prevention Specialist, at MAnderson@QuitDoc.com.