Youth E-Cigarette Prevention and Cessation Initiative

The Youth E-Cigarette Prevention and Cessation Initiative works in five counties to promote cessation and a tobacco-free lifestyle for youth. Student-led tobacco prevention groups are hosted out of Ashby Public School, Brandon-Evansville School, and West Central Area Secondary School.

Commercial tobacco use and nicotine dependence in Minnesota remain a significant concern. With the rising popularity of vaping devices and e-cigarettes, youth nicotine addiction is becoming more common, with nearly 79% of students who vape reporting at least one sign of nicotine dependence. Commercial tobacco products are the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

It’s important to distinguish between commercial and sacred tobacco. The tobacco plant holds spiritual and medicinal significance for many American Indian communities. Sacred tobacco is not linked to addiction or harmful health effects. Learn more about the differences between commercial and sacred tobacco here.