Youth Tobacco Prevention Summit

This is your chance to learn from and connect with other youth-serving individuals from throughout Kane County. The diverse set of speakers will cover all aspects of youth tobacco useage and vaping, including access, prevention and cessation. If you have any questions about the event, feel free to contact Nathan Ritzema at ritzemanathan@kanecountyil.gov or at 630-895-0700.

9am - Opening Speaker

Speakers: Kane County Health Department

9:30am - Topic 1: Youth Access

Speakers: Kane County Health Department

In order to combat the rampant usage of vapes and nicotine pouches by youth, the Kane County Health Department organized an environment scan program for local tobacco retailers throughout the county. Lily Peterson and Nathan Ritzema will present the findings of their scans to educate members of the community on what substances are available to youth. The retailer survey had a specific focus on youth-focused messaging and products, so by spreading awareness of tobacco marketing tactics, KCHD staff are hoping to bolster prevention and cessation efforts.

10:30am - Topic 2: Prevention

Speakers: Prevention First

As leaders in the prevention world, Prevention First has some of the leading prevention tactics and messaging. The speakers from the Youth Prevention Resource Center at Prevention First will discuss how to talk to youth about tobacco prevention through proper language and messaging. Members of the YPRC are experts in substance use prevention, mental health, youth development, and more.

11:30am – Lunch Break

12pm - Topic 3: Cessation

Speakers: Savannah Pierce-Walker

Savannah Pierce-Walker was the Prevention Education Specialist U-46, where she oversaw substance use prevention training in all of the teachers, including tobacco and vaping prevention training. She implemented peer support groups for kids caught with vapes, as well as other successful cessation programs. She is excited to share her experience with other professionals throughout the County.

1pm - Topic 4: Youth Experience

Speakers: Bridging the Gap EA Operation Snowball

The Operation Snowball chapter operating out of East Aurora HS has been heavily involved in tobacco prevention work in their local community. They have been advocating for tobacco-related policy change, educating their peers on the dangers of tobacco use, and equipping their school to approach cessation. They ran a highly successful campaign in the previous school year called “Breaking up with Nic,” in which they equated a nicotine addiction to a toxic relationship. They also plan to discuss what they are seeing in their peers with tobacco usage in schools.