Prevention Policy and Advocacy Coalition
What is the Prevention Policy and Advocacy Coalition?
The Butler County Prevention Policy and Advocacy Coalition was formed by concerned preventionists and public health professionals who identified an alarming increase in vaping/e-cigarette use, especially among youth in 2018. Together, the prevention coalitions from around the county, public health departments, researchers specializing in tobacco use, tobacco cessation counselors, and educators, to name a few representatives, came together to address this issue. In the time since, the vaping market has grown exponentially. Ohio and federal laws have expanded and confused the cannabis market. Today, the coalition uses the same approaches- targeting policies through education and advocacy- to address tobacco/nicotine, cannabis/marijuana, Kratom, and other emerging trends to help create a healthier Butler County.
Who Can Attend & What Are the Goals?
Youth who want to make a positive impact in their community, who are leaders because of their involvement in sports and other performance groups, and who are civically-minded are the most important sector of this coalition. Other adults who are concerned for the health of youth and others in their community are necessary for this work to be accomplished.
Although Tobacco 21, the law that prohibits sales of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21, has been passed at a state and federal level, the law is weak as it is written. This is one example for how the coalition is focused on strengthening that law and looking for local solutions to reduce the number of people affected by and becoming addicted to all tobacco products.
Want to Help Educate Children on the Dangers of Tobacco and Other Substances?
To learn more or get involved, see the contacts for the Butler County Prevention Policy and Advocacy Coalition below:
- Youth Coalition Coordinator: Astrid Gomez, agomez@envisionpartnerships.com
- Coalition Coordinator: Uki O’Basuyi, uobasuyi@envisionpartnerships.com
