News Release
For More Information, Contact: For Immediate Release:
Sue Kahler, SAP Coordinator October 5th, 2023
Phone: 701.355.1597 (Office)
Phone: 701.202.3077 (Day of the Event)
Email: skahler@bismarcknd.gov
Bismarck Burleigh Public Health to
Host Annual Break Free Youth Action Summit
BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) will host the Break Free Youth Action Summit (YAS) on Monday, October 9th, 2023, at the Dream Center in Bismarck. The event is organized and supported by BBPH and Tobacco Free North Dakota (TFND). Approximately 150 middle and high school students and their advisors are expected to attend the summit, which is offered at no cost to participants.
The YAS provides a unique opportunity for youth advocates to demonstrate their passion and commitment in helping create the next tobacco free generation. The summit will give students tools and resources to find their voice and advocate for change. National speakers are Dr. Halpern-Felsher, Stanford University will share her knowledge and experience with the youth. They will learn about the impact of tobacco including E-cigarettes on the mental, physical, environmental, and social. The other National Speaker is Jordan Watkins and Gina Darville from Truth Initiative who will provide information on how to educate their peers about the resources for quitting nicotine products.
Bismarck Burleigh Public Health Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, Sue Kahler, says, “We are excited to host the Annual Bismarck Youth Action Summit! Youth involvement in tobacco prevention is critical and attending the summit gives students the tools they need to take action and make a positive change, both in their communities and throughout the state.”
Youth are at the center of the nation’s current vaping epidemic. Although we have seen a significant decrease in youth smoking rates over the last few years, vaping, or use of electronic cigarettes, among high school students remains high - according to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, current vaping among North Dakota high school students is 21%, which is higher than ND adult e-cigarette use rates of 3.9%.
In the weeks and months following the summit, attending students will work with their peers to create activities for Great American Smoke Out (November 16th) and Great American Spit Out (Feb. 22, 2024)
For more information, please visit https://www.breathend.com/youth-action-summit/
Editor’s note: Media will be allowed into the event for recording purposes but are asked to keep their entrance and exit discreet, so as not to disrupt participants. Media may request interviews with youth participants the day of the summit through coordination with Sue Kahler.