Tallahassee, Florida — Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), the statewide youth-led movement, announced the names of its new Youth Advocacy Board members.
The Youth Advisory Board works in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida to help plan the direction and goals of the SWAT organization and of the youth prevention component of the state’s tobacco control campaign. Students work with county grantees on a local level to support initiatives that educate others about tobacco use, help protect youth from tobacco, and strengthen local policies, especially those that protect the public from secondhand smoke.
“Youth advocates are the next generation of leaders in Florida and across the country,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “These enthusiastic students work diligently with a passion to create positive change and raise awareness among their peers and community about the dangers of tobacco use.”
SWAT aims to empower, educate, and equip Florida youth to revolt against Big Tobacco. SWAT is a movement of empowered youth working together to de-glamorize tobacco use. Their efforts aim to shape tobacco-free norms, make tobacco less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible.
The 2014–2015 members of SWAT’s Youth Advisory Board include:
Abriyah Campbell, Putnam County
Ben Damus, St. Johns County
Brandon Creek, Jefferson County
Evianna Gianoplus, Sarasota County
Daniel Knight, Martin County
Jalisa Bellamy, Washington County
Jordan Marlett, Levy County
Julia Osagie, Leon County
Lacey Napier, Polk County
Lydia Delcambre, Santa Rosa County
Mykenzie Robertson, Pasco County
Narrelle Gilchrist, Palm Beach County
Nicolas Suarez, St. Lucie County
Victoria Galvan, Seminole County
Victoria Todd, Lee County
Members of the SWAT Youth Advocacy Board will serve a term through June 30, 2015.
Tobacco Free Florida is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Tobacco Free Florida is managed by the Florida Department of Health, specifically the Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida.