Youth summit promotes tobacco prevention

Over 400 participants from communities across Tennessee gathered at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga June 4 – 6, 2023 for the Tennessee Department of Health’s annual TNSTRONG Youth Summit, a statewide tobacco prevention conference.

TNSTRONG stands for “Tennessee Stop Tobacco and Revolutionize our New Generation” and is Tennessee’s youth-led movement to promote tobacco-free lifestyles. TNSTRONG Youth Summit participants trained with national experts to be peer influencers and advocates in their communities to prevent tobacco and nicotine addiction.

Attendees heard from leading tobacco prevention professionals in addition to networking with peers. The conference equipped youth with leadership skills and knowledge to bring back to their communities and advocate for the dangers of tobacco use, including electronic nicotine delivery systems and traditional tobacco products.

“The TNSTRONG Summit is a great experience that allows you to connect with like-minded youth from across the state that are passionate about health. It provides you with valuable information that is presented in an engaging and interactive format that is so impactful!” said a TNSTRONG Ambassador.

Over the three-day conference, chaperones and youth learned from nationally acclaimed groups such as Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids and Truth Initiative. Additionally, there were sessions that addressed the negative impact tobacco has on health equity, mental health and physical activity.

For more information on the 2023 TNSTRONG Youth Summit, please contact the Tobacco Use and Prevention Control Program at [email protected].”

“If you are interested in joining the TNSTRONG movement or forming a team, please contact Lindsey Wayland, Public Health Program Director at [931-490-8366] or email [email protected]