The list of illnesses caused by tobacco use is long and contains many of the most common causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, lung disease, many forms of cancer, and vascular diseases.
Cigarette use alone, results in an estimated 430,000 deaths each year in the U.S., including 28,600 deaths in Florida. Secondhand smoke causes 50,000 deaths each year among adult non-smokers in the United States with 2,520 of those deaths among Floridians.
The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County’s Tobacco Education and Prevention Program offers a variety of tobacco prevention, education, and volunteer opportunities for youth and adults in Nassau County.
Since tobacco is the #1 cause of preventable death in the United States, we are working diligently towards a Tobacco-Free Florida and a Tobacco-Free Nassau County through the Tobacco-Free Partnership Nassau and Nassau County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT).
Program funding is received through Amendment #4, requiring the funding of a Comprehensive Statewide Tobacco Education and Prevention Program, as outlined in Florida Statutes 381.84.
Tobacco Program Goals
- Prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults.
- Eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
- Promote cessation from tobacco use.
- Build and maintain an effective Tobacco-Free Partnership and SWAT Chapter.
Get Involved
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
SWAT membership is open to Nassau County students from fifth to twelfth grade. SWAT membership allows young people to become advocates for changing the tobacco norm in Nassau County. SWAT members educate the public through public speaking, participating in parades, and other community events and activities.
For more information, call the Tobacco Education and Prevention Program at 904-548-1866.
Tobacco-Free Partnership Nassau
Community members from all walks of life have joined SWAT youth in creating a partnership of concerned citizens who would like to see a change in the culture surrounding tobacco in Nassau County. These partners serve as advocates for change, working with decision-makers in the community.
If you are interested in becoming involved with Tobacco-Free Partnership Nassau, call 904-548-1867.
Community Services
The Florida Department of Health in Nassau County’s Tobacco Education and Prevention Program can lend this banner to any public event that would like to be a Tobacco-Free Event. Additionally, the tobacco staff and SWAT are available for tobacco education booths. Call 904-548-1866 for more information.
It is against Florida law for youth under the age of 18 to possess tobacco. Youth who are cited for tobacco possession must appear before the Nassau County Superior Court or the Teen Court. The most common “sentence” is to attend Tobacco Citation Classes. The Tobacco Education and Prevention staff provides a three-class curriculum to satisfy the court’s requirement.
To enroll a youth in Tobacco Citation Classes, call 904-548-1866.
Promoting Cessation from Tobacco Use
Promoting cessation from tobacco use is a primary concern for the Tobacco Education and Prevention Program.
The Florida QUITLINE at 1-877-U-CAN-NOW offers free telephone counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, lozenges, and gum).
Northeast Florida Area Health Education Centers at 1-877-QUIT-IT-NOW offer local cessation classes throughout the year in Nassau County.