Tobacco Free Florida Commends Martin County Public Schools
Tobacco Free Florida Commends Martin County Public Schools Tobacco Free Policy Updates
Martin County, Fla. – Tobacco Free Florida in Martin County Commends Martin County School District on recent updates to the district’s tobacco free policy. The policy updates are a significant step to further ensure a healthy and safe environment for all Martin County Public school students, staff, and visitors on school campuses.
In 2020, the Martin County School District contracted with NEOLA to recommend updates to district policies, including revisions to the Martin County Tobacco-Free Policy. Key updates include:
- Continued support for students who violate the policy, with access to a Tobacco Education Program (Alternative to Suspension) designed to educate rather than punish
- A prohibition on accepting contributions, gifts, funding, curricula, or materials from the tobacco industry, maintaining a strong stance on preventing industry influence.
- A ban on the promotion of tobacco products on all personal and school-related items and materials, including gear, tech accessories, bags, clothing, signage, structures, vehicles, flyers, and other media.
- A more comprehensive definition of tobacco products, ensuring clarity and alignment with current public health standards.
“As a proud member of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), I’m truly encouraged to see our school district taking meaningful action to prioritize student health and well-being. Strengthening the tobacco policy shows a real commitment to creating a safer, more positive learning environment. This decision not only protects us physically but also sends a strong message about the importance of making healthy choices. I’m grateful to be part of a school community that values our future and is actively working to make our campuses better for everyone.”
— Christian French, Martin County SWAT Member
In 2024, in Martin County, 56% of the Student Users of Electronic Vapor Products Who Have Used an Electronic Vapor Product with Nicotine (FYTS) (All Middle and High School Students) can be compared to 51.3% statewide.
The Martin County Tobacco Prevention Team is committed to continued collaboration with the Martin County School District to further strengthen and expand our county’s tobacco-free initiatives. Together, we aim to remain at the forefront of promoting a healthy, tobacco-free lifestyle for all students, staff, and families.
Tobacco Free Florida – Martin County is dedicated to protecting public health by preventing tobacco use through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Our team works closely with local partners to create environments that support and encourage healthy, tobacco-free living throughout the community.
For more information on Tobacco Free Florida - Martin County, Contact Jacklyn Coore Tobacco Prevention Specialist , jcoore@martin.fl.us or call 772-238-1388.
Across the state, Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida provides free tools and services for Floridians 18 years of age or older who are considering quitting. The Quit Your Way program offers Phone Quit and Web Quit options. Group Quit classes are also available for every county in Florida in-person or virtually and all tools and services provide free nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum and lozenges where medically appropriate. Services can also be access by calling the toll-free number 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669) at any time.
For more information on how you can help prevent youth from using tobacco and e-cigarettes in your schools, contact your local tobacco prevention program at TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/get-involved.
About Tobacco Free Florida
The Florida Department of Health’s Tobacco Free Florida campaign is a statewide cessation and prevention campaign funded by Florida’s tobacco settlement fund. Since the program began in 2007, more than 295,000 Floridians have successfully quit using one of Tobacco Free Florida's free tools and services. There are now approximately 451,000 fewer adult smokers in Florida than there were 10 years ago, and the state has saved $17.7 billion in health care costs. To learn more about Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way services, visit TobaccoFreeFlorida.com or follow the campaign on Facebook at Facebook.com/TobaccoFreeFlorida or X at x.com/tobaccofreefla.
