News and Events

SWAT Members Represent Dixie County at Regional Youth Meeting
November 2, 2024

The Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida recently hosted a Region 2 Youth Meeting in Starke, FL, bringing together tobacco prevention advocates from across the region. Held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, the event welcomed one tobacco prevention staff member, an adult chaperone, and two members of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) from each participating county. Representing Dixie County, Tobacco Prevention Specialist Melanie Anderson and two dedicated SWAT youth attended this impactful meeting.

The day’s agenda focused on equipping attendees with valuable knowledge and skills to further their mission of creating a tobacco-free future. Key sessions included Tobacco-Free Schools training and an interactive activity designed to inspire youth-driven initiatives within their communities. Participants also delved into Point-of-Sale training, exploring strategies to combat the influence of tobacco advertising at retail locations. Energizer and skills-building activities added a dynamic element to the day, fostering teamwork and enhancing advocacy skills.

The meeting concluded with small group brainstorming sessions, allowing participants to share ideas and develop actionable plans for local tobacco prevention efforts. Dixie County’s SWAT representatives emerged from the meeting energized and equipped with new strategies to make a lasting impact. Their participation underscores the county’s commitment to empowering youth to lead the charge against tobacco use and build healthier communities.