What We Do...
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Marion County (TFP) brings together a diverse group of concerned community partners to prevent initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults, eliminate secondhand smoke exposure for all Marion County residents, and promote cessation from tobacco/nicotine use.
All TFP’s are required to adopt bylaws that focus on tobacco prevention and control and have an agenda focused on tobacco control. TFP’s are formed to reduce the burden of tobacco use and shape tobacco-free norms so that tobacco/nicotine use becomes less acceptable public spaces, and less accessible to youth and young adults.
Why We Do What We Do...
Tobacco issues affect us all. More than 480,000 people die from a tobacco related illness each year. More than 42,000 people die from second-hand smoke exposure. There is yet another way that these toxic chemicals can enter the blood stream. While the term may be new, the concept has been around for as long as people have been inhaling tobacco products. Commonly referred to as "third-hand" smoke, it occurs when the toxic chemicals produced from burning or exhaling tobacco products are absorbed by the skin. This effects youth are a far greater rate than adults due to the simple fact that they have less control over their environments.
Students Working Against Tobacco - For almost 20 years (about 1999-2017), the youth tobacco usage rate plummeted from approx. 27% down to approx. 7%. This coincides with The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between the major tobacco companies, 46 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Coincidence? We don't think so! SWAT uses a youth empowerment approach to prevention by educating youth and young adults about the deceptive marketing practices used by the tobacco industry to target young people and other disparate populations.
Who We Are...
We are trained prevention/outreach specialists, who are dedicated to improving the community for our families and for yours. We believe this can be accomplished by collaborating with key stake holders, implementing evidence-based strategies, adhering to best practices and industry standards, and addressing health inequalities for disparate populations.
We bring our own unique experiences and a wide variety of knowledge and education to our roles, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Tobacco Policy Manager
Hilary is from Marion County and has worked hard to be an asset to the community that she loves! She has earned a Master's degree in Health Administrative Services and has experience in many key areas of non-profit grant management.
Hilary's passion is prevention and believes that smart policy changes can be instrumental in making meaningful changes for the community. Hilary applies her extensive knowledge of coalition work to her role and offers a unique insight into tobacco prevention.
Community Engagement Manager
Tammy has called Ocala home since 2012 and quickly assimilated herself to the community. In 2016, she accepted a position promoting tobacco-free environments under a grant funded by the CDC/Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida and has never looked back!
Tammy is knowledgeable about tobacco issues and has a knack for engaging the community, especially youth!
Tammy is currently working to earn a Bachelor's degree in Health Admin Services, with a focus on youth development.
Want to Know More?
Interested in finding out more about the Tobacco Free Partnership? Join us at our next partnership meeting to learn what YOU can do to address tobacco issues that are affecting our communities. Find us on Facebook or sign up for tobacco control news and updates from our own backyard and around the world!
Can't make it to a meeting? Want to become a member? No problem! We have multiple ways that you can get involved. Contact us and we will get you plugged into an event or activity that better suites your interests.
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