News

On March 24, 2010, 150 young people from across the Commonwealth gathered at the State House to celebrate their role in reducing the youth smoking rate in Massachusetts while raising awareness of the tobacco industry's efforts to hook youth. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program of the Department of Public Health, this event drew almost 300 people to the State House.

Wake up to the truth! became the rallying cry at St.Paul's Church on Tremont Street where 150 young people from The84 movement gathered for a training session prior to the Kick Butts Day Policy Forum at the State House.

Melanie McFayden from Stoughton and The84 staff member Brittany Chen provide instructions to the teens about the day's activities.

Members of The84 movement march through Boston Common on their way to the State House Event chanting "Big Tobacco Still Targets Youth!"

Prior to the start of the event, Peter Kolodzief from the Tri-Town Health Department reviews one of ten posters prepared by The84 Chapters. Posters highlighted the work of each group and helped to visually explain the types of tobacco products youth are seeing in their communities.

The Malden YWCA Task youth group meets with Representative Christopher Fallon in his office before the Forum began. He was able to see the emerging products available to youth in his district. We appreciate Representative Fallon's willingness to meet with the youth of his district.

Commissioner Auerbach preparing with the youth emcees and presenters at the Grand Staircase

Representative Sean Garballey, the host of our forum at the State House, addresses the crowd of 300 people gathered to hear about youth smoking rates and an alarming statistic that shows the use of other tobacco products on the rise among youth in Massachusetts. Representative Garballey also thanked the many legislators in attendance for their support.

Over 150 Youth lined the Grand Staircase encouraging the crowd to Make Smoking History in Massachusetts.

Commissioner of Public Health John Auerbach summarizes findings released that morning which found that the youth smoking rate has dropped to 16% in Massachusetts in 2009. However, for the first time ever in Massachusetts, the percentage of young people using other tobacco products is higher than the percentage of those who are smoking.

Colin Hudzik from Oxford and Kayla Mendonça from Boston hold up signs for the crowd to see that represent two tobacco products - Camel Orbs and Snus. The youth speakers explained that these other tobacco products are easy to use, sold in colorful packaging, come in many kid-friendly flavors and are significantly cheaper than a pack of cigarettes.

Representative Hecht, who led the charge on other tobacco products issues, talks to the crowd about the importance of youth involvement.

Bolanie Odusanya from Girls' Inc. in Lynn explains to the crowd the surveys her group have been conducting in her community as well as who is using the new tobacco products. Hearing first-hand what youth are seeing in the community sends a powerful message to all adults about how the tobacco industry is targeting children.

Representative Gregoire, a member of the Joint Committee on Children and Families, explains why protecting young people from the Tobacco Industry is important to her. She shares her personal story of the impact tobacco has had on her family.

At the conclusion of the Forum, MA Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Director, Dr. Lois Keithly and DPH Commissioner John Auerbach posed with some of the Youth leaders. From left to right, Dr. Keithy; Kayla Mendonça, Youth Emcee; Colin Hudzik who accepted the84 Community Chapter Award on behalf of Oxford High School; Brittany Shepard, Youth Achievement Awardee; and Commissioner John Auerbach.