Gulf and Franklin Tobacco Prevention Coordinators recognized as Community Health Heroes 

Youth who are empowered by their community can improve public health outcomes. For Gulf and Franklin counties, Tobacco Prevention Coordinators Jessie Pippin and Gina Moore are committed to building strong Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapters. In fact, Franklin tops the most participation in the State. According to the 2014 Tobacco Youth Survey, Franklin County’s middle school SWAT Chapter is 10 times greater (30.1%) than the state average (2.9%). Gulf County’s SWAT Chapter is nearly 6 times greater at 17%. As SWAT participation increases, Gulf and Franklin youth tobacco use rates are significantly decreasing. To thank them for their tremendous work in their counties, Jessie Pippin and Gina Moore were recognized as 2015 Community Health Heroes of the Year.

In just two years, we are seeing remarkable reductions in tobacco use among youth. While there is still work to be done, we are fortunate to have Community Health Heroes and growing SWAT Chapters who strive for tobacco-free future generations.

GULF County:

In 2012, 21% of middle school youth reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days. As of 2014, it is 7.7%.

In 2012, 48% of high school youth reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days. As of 2014, it is 29%.

In 2012, 32% of high school youth reported using smokeless tobacco (dip, chew, snuff) in the past 30 days. As of 2014, it is 11.9%.

FRANKLIN County:

In 2012, 11.8% of middle school youth reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days. As of 2014, it is 5.9%.

In 2012, 48% of high school youth reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days. As of 2014, it is 30.8%.

In 2012, 16.8% of high school youth reported using smokeless tobacco (dip, chew, snuff) in the past 30 days. As of 2014, it is 3.9%.

(Data: 2012 and 2014 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS))

Congratulations to our heroes! Well deserved!