Tobacco Free Florida in St. Lucie County praises St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) for the district’s recent updates to its tobacco-free policy.
- Tobacco Free Florida in St. Lucie County praises St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) for the district’s recent updates to its tobacco-free policy.
- Voted on and adopted on March 12, 2024, the new policy:
- “This policy update not only keeps our environment safe but also sets a positive example for all of us.
- Tobacco Free Florida in St. Lucie County is dedicated to promoting public health and preventing tobacco use through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
The updates to the Tobacco Free Florida policy are an important step toward further ensuring a healthy and safe environment for all students, staff, and visitors on SLPS school campuses.
SLPS hired NEOLA in 2022 to recommend updates to district policies, including the St. Lucie County Tobacco-Free Policy.
Voted on and adopted on March 12, 2024, the new policy:
· Includes a more definitive definition of tobacco products.
– Prohibits the acceptance of contributions, gifts, money, curricula, or materials from the tobacco industry.
· Prohibits the promotion of tobacco products on equipment, technological accessories, bags, clothing, personal items, posters, structures, vehicles, flyers, or other materials.
– Continues to support students who violate the policy by offering a tobacco education program (an alternative to suspension).
“As a student and member of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), it’s reassuring to know that our school district is taking stronger steps to protect the health and well-being of students,” said Emmalina Cruz, representative of the St. Lucie County SWAT Youth Advocacy Board.
“This policy update not only keeps our environment safe but also sets a positive example for all of us.
Thank you for making our schools a healthier place to learn and grow!”
Tobacco Prevention staff look forward to continuing to collaborate with the SLPS school district to further strengthen and enhance SLPS’s tobacco-free initiatives, ensuring they remain at the forefront of promoting a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle for all.
The work toward a tobacco-free Florida continues. According to the annual Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, the rise in e-cigarette use among youth has slowed; however, 12.5% of high school students still use them.[i]
Tobacco Free Florida in St. Lucie County is dedicated to promoting public health and preventing tobacco use through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
The staff works within the community to create environments that encourage a healthy, tobacco-free life.
For more information about Tobacco Free Florida in St. Lucie County, contact Helen McDonald, Tobacco Prevention Specialist, at Helen.McDonald@FLHealth.gov or call 772-785-6135.
Image: TobaccoFreeFlorida
