News and Events

Dixie County Tobacco Prevention Specialist Conducts Partnership Training for Local Group
January 16, 2025

On January 16, 2025, the Tobacco Prevention Specialist for Dixie County, Melanie Anderson led a training session for the Tobacco Free Partnership of Dixie County at Dixie County High School. This training provided a valuable opportunity to engage both adult and youth members of the partnership. A total of 20 members attended, including 14 students from the high school. Since its inception, the partnership has aimed to ensure that at least 25% of its members are youth representatives, recognizing the essential role they play in the future of the initiative.

The training, developed and approved by the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida, was titled “Let’s Talk About Tobacco in Dixie County: Connect. Inform. Inspire Action.” The agenda covered key topics such as the importance of reducing tobacco use, the various types of tobacco products, which products are popular among youth, and the comparison of vaping versus smoking in terms of harm. Additional discussions focused on what fuels youth tobacco use and strategies to reduce it.

Amy Jones, the Dixie County High School SWAT Advisor and teacher, highlighted the correlation between tobacco use and low academic achievement, noting that nicotine harms the parts of the brain responsible for learning.

Representatives from the Dixie County Anti-Drug Coalition, Sheila Frierson and Katrina VanAernam further explained the risks of nicotine use, particularly during adolescence. They emphasized that nicotine exposure can make the brain more sensitive to other substances, leading to a higher likelihood of teens using other drugs.

The training also addressed the increasing use of vaping products among youth. According to the 2024 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, 17% of middle and high school students in Dixie County reported using vape products in the past 30 days, significantly higher than the state average of 8%. Youth members of the partnership shared that while vaping is common at school, smokeless nicotine patches are becoming increasingly popular because they are easier to conceal from staff.

Overall, the Tobacco Free Partnership members demonstrated a strong understanding of the ongoing need for their work in Dixie County. Their efforts continue to focus on reducing the use of all tobacco and nicotine products to protect the health of their community.