​​​​​​What is in a Cigarette?

While most of us would answer the Jeopardy question with: What is paper, tobacco, filter and, maybe, glue, the truth is far more complicated. 

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In 2017, our ITFC grant program lead became a trained “Engaging Youth In Positive Change” facilitator and was inspired to expand the current good work under the grant work plan to include the EYPC program curriculum with youth in and around Douglas County, IL. The youth participants began the EYPC “Engaging Youth In Positive Change” program model in July of 2017, FY18. The program model was created and developed by, Scott P. Hays, Ph.D. and additional developers with the Center of Prevention, Research and Development at the University of Illinois, School of Social Work. EYPC youth participants, REALITY students, first collectively determine the change they were inspired to pursue to make their community healthier. 

 

Throughout the program, they learn about the workings of local governing bodies, engage with community members and facilitate relationships with elected officials. Participants gain valuable insight and real-world experience within the EYPC Program model. It guides them through the process of how policies impact community health. EYPC is targeted toward youth ages 13-18 and with the leadership of a trained DCHD facilitator, students work on real social and community change projects such as smoke-free public spaces, healthier school foods, greenways and parks, safer public events, and others. Our Douglas County youth participants pursue policy changes in tandem with the health initiatives of the Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities grant through the State of Illinois. 

 

Through the EYPC program model, participants are presented with the immeasurable opportunity to expand their knowledge base through analytical and critical thinking. They are presented with challenges to research, communicate, delegate, and most importantly – work collectively as a team toward a common goal! To improve the health of the communities throughout Douglas County, Illinois the program lead facilitates REALITY students through these program models developed to inspire youth to participate in creating a healthier community: “Engaging Youth In Positive Change”; “Taking Down Tobacco” #kickbutts; #BeTheFirst! Big Tobacco is working to overtime to rebuild their customer base with newly addicted youth.

 

They need one new youth addicted to nicotine to replace each of the 480,000 that died in 2019 from smoking and tobacco-related illnesses. Our youth are vulnerable to Big Tobacco and the likes, manipulative marketing. As a department, we are deeply dedicated to improving the health of all who live in and around our community through education and prevention programs.

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We invite you to follow our prevention activities via our social media pages and links to our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be found on our homepage of our website.

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#ITFC  #BeTheFirst  #KickNic #EscapeTheVape  #UIUCSW #CPRDUIUC  #TobaccoFreeKids   #DCHD #REALITY  #EYPC #EngagingYouthForPositiveChange

 

In 2018 and 2019, we established 5 student REALITY groups that collaborated both in person and online working collectively with the EYPC model to increase public education and awareness about the dangers of nicotine addiction and  Electronic Cigarettes.

 

Our collaborations and efforts were notable and with hundreds of hours invested by students at 5 area high schools we were successful in establishing peer support cessation groups and peer support resources at all area high schools and at the beginning of 2020 and we worked closely with the Douglas County State’s Attorney and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and through this collective effort we successfully introduced two ordinances which both passed in February 2020.

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To review the motions passed, please see the following: