North Carolinians for a Tobacco-Free Generation

Ernest Watts, Region 8 Tobacco Lead, NC Department of Public Health

Megan Faber — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:00:33 +0000

“When I started this job 2012, [vaping] was limited just to high school. Now it’s in elementary school. And if you think about how children are being manipulated, it will make you angry. Anger is not going to solve this problem; It’s collectively bringing everybody on board, educators, church members, parents, public health, everybody, because we all have a stake.”

Charlene Zorn, Parent Advocate, New Hanover County, NC

Megan Faber — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 04:00:46 +0000

�ċ�ċ�ċ “As a community we need to stop the vaping industry from harming our children. I don’t want to see another family suffer the loss my family has. Please talk to your children over and over about the dangers of vaping.”��

Lani Callison, Regional Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Manager, NC DHHS – Chronic Disease & Injury

Megan Faber — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:36 +0000

“The challenges in tobacco prevention and cessation work have grown exponentially with the advent of vaping, e-cigarettes, dab pens, nicotine pouches, synthetic nicotine, vape shops–you name it. Along with this has come some of the most effective and ruthless digital marketing that bombards and targets youth. Big Tobacco and Big Vape do not have anyone’s best interests at heart. We need to illuminate a path forward for young people. We need to address this in all aspects of society from family, community, local government, and federal levels. Get involved, become aware, look closely at retailers and what is on the shelves.”

Brandi Thayer, Social Determinants of Health Coordinator, Haven House Services

Megan Faber — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:00:36 +0000

“We know from a trauma- informed perspective that substance use is widely used as a coping mechanism, and our efforts to understand tobacco and nicotine use have uncovered that prevention and control efforts could take note from this perspective in finding ways to allow teens and young adults that use tobacco to gain access to mental and behavioral healthcare. This opens up the underlying root of the “why” in substance/ tobacco use, and helps us all to live in a happier and healthier state!”

Julie Hartzell, LCSW, NCTTP, �� Hospitals Inpatient Tobacco Treatment Specialist, �� Family Medicine Tobacco Treatment Program

Megan Faber — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 04:00:35 +0000

“The goal of the inpatient program is to support patients experiencing a health crisis and to inspire them to view their hospitalization as an opportunity to become tobacco-free. Nicotine replacements and counseling are offered during admission and resources for continued support are offered at discharge. Offering standardized and evidence-based teaching to the next generation of providers ensures both individuals and communities have the greatest chance of becoming and staying tobacco-free.”

Toshia Jordan, MS, Substance Use Prevention Coalition Coordinator, Fuquay-Varina Coalition for a Healthy and Safe Community

Megan Faber — Wed, 01 May 2024 04:00:21 +0000

“In our efforts to champion tobacco control in NC, we’ve focused on understanding the root causes that lead youth to use tobacco. By recognizing the importance of alternative coping strategies and the role of trusted adults, we’ve tailored programs that address these needs within our community. Through education, support, and empowering alternatives, we’re fostering a healthier environment and reducing youth tobacco use.”��

Doug Green, CPS, VP of Operations, Community Impact North Carolina

Megan Faber — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:00:23 +0000

“Tobacco control relates to limiting access to youth and young adults. This is just as important at the state, local, business, and home levels. Advocating for strong policies and communities working collaboratively can make the most impact within our state.”

Rick Bedlack, MD, PhD, Neurologist, Duke ALS Clinic

Megan Faber — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:00:18 +0000

“As an ALS expert, I am trying to do all I can to slow the disease down in my patients and to prevent others from getting it. Smoking increases a person’s risk for ALS and also aggravates progression in those who have the disease. Thus, my ALS team and I suggest smoking cessation to the patients and families we see in the Duke ALS Clinic.”

Sanjana Tharuvesanchi, Project Coordinator, NCDHHS

Megan Faber — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:53 +0000

“I believe that pressing issues regarding tobacco control in NC often involve youth use of tobacco and nicotine products, especially e-cigarettes. Collaborative efforts between school personnel, local and state government officials, and public health experts are vital to solving this issue, as well as an emphasis on educational tobacco cessation programs in schools.”

Ana Jafarinia, Project Manager & Research Assistant, ASPiRE Center & �� Tobacco Treatment Program

Megan Faber — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:00:26 +0000

“Tobacco control requires a two-pronged approach: preventing tobacco use initiation AND helping those who currently use tobacco quit or reduce their smoking behavior. These are both really challenging issues.”