Tobacco is the #1 cause of preventable death and disease in the world, killing an average of 88 Floridians daily. The Florida Department of Health in Leon County’s Tobacco Prevention program works to reduce the negative impact of tobacco on our community through Tobacco Free Leon and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco).
Tobacco Free Leon
The list of illnesses caused by tobacco use is long and contains many of the most common causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, lung disease, many forms of cancer, and vascular diseases.
Cigarette use alone, results in an estimated 430,000 deaths each year in the U.S., including 28,600 deaths in Florida. Secondhand smoke causes 50,000 deaths each year among adult non-smokers in the United States with 2,520 of those deaths among Floridians.
Tobacco Free Leon (TFL) is a community partnership dedicated to decreasing the use of highly addictive nicotine products. TFL advocates for policies addressing the marketing and sales of nicotine products, tobacco-free buildings, campuses, and workplaces.
TFL meets every 2nd Thursday each month. Call 850-404-6427 for more information.
SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco)
SWAT is Florida’s statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate, and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT empowers middle and high school students and young adults to advocate for policy change on issues related to the tobacco industry, including the marketing of tobacco products to youth. SWAT members play an important role in the community by educating their peers and the public about tobacco and its negative consequences.