FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The need for youth to speak up and make their voices heard about the issues they care about is as important as ever, which is why one student-led organization in Florida is leading the way in the fight against the tobacco industry and the addictive products that target youth.

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is a statewide youth organization focused on educating, empowering, and mobilizing Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. As a Fort Walton Beach High School SWAT Club member, I believe SWAT is an important cause more youth should get involved in. SWAT is an extracurricular activity us students partake in, to spread awareness on how tobacco negatively affects your body no matter what age. Despite significant progress over the years, tobacco and e-cigarette use is still prevalent, and the tobacco industry’s antics must be stopped. SWAT is working to change the social norms associated with tobacco, including e-cigarettes.

SWAT has been educating and empowering youth and communities since 1998. SWAT has had several successful initiatives throughout the years. ‘Not a Replacement’ was a statewide campaign where thousands of youth reminded tobacco companies that they are unique individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on their community. ‘Not a Lab Rat’ is the current statewide campaign that focuses on the truth behind e-cigarettes and how youth can stop the spread of misinformation. Through such initiatives, SWAT continues to work toward changing the way people think about tobacco, making it less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible.

My reason for joining SWAT was clear, stated a Fort Walton Beach High School SWAT Club member. I joined SWAT due to the growing up with parents that smoked regularly, and I want to help kids in that environment to not pick up the nasty habit. Joining SWAT helped me educate my friends and family on what is happening in their bodies and help them with the best of my abilities to quit and better themselves.

In our community, the Okaloosa County SWAT chapter helped make a difference by going to a local middle school and conjoining our meetings to promote our club and spread our knowledge to those younger than us. We also created an escape room at the same school with all the students with the hope that they will both have fun and learn a little more on the affect tobacco has on their bodies.

If you are interested in learning more about SWAT and how youth can get involved contact the Okaloosa County SWAT Coordinator Lydia Harper at Lydia.Harper@flhealth.gov or 850-699-4219.You can also visit www.SWATFlorida.com.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.

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