Christine Kujawa Library Director | City of Bismarck
Christine Kujawa Library Director | City of Bismarck
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health will participate in the National Day of Action: Take Down Tobacco Day on April 1, 2025. This initiative, led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, aims to empower youth and raise awareness about nicotine addiction. The event seeks to challenge Big Tobacco's influence and advocate for a tobacco-free future.
"Take Down Tobacco Day is a powerful opportunity to shine a light on the tactics Big Tobacco uses to target young people and vulnerable populations," organizers stated. The movement highlights the industry's use of flashy packaging and flavored products as marketing tools targeting youth.
Annually, nearly half a million Americans and over 1,000 North Dakotans die from commercial tobacco-related illnesses. Youth are particularly at risk, with e-cigarettes and flavored products often serving as entry points into lifelong addiction.
Data from North Dakota's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program reveals concerning statistics among high school students: 5.4% currently smoke, 18.2% use vape devices, 3.4% use smokeless tobacco, and 4.2% use cigars. Middle school students also report usage rates: 2.6% smoke, 7.6% use vape devices, 1.2% use smokeless tobacco, and 1.1% use cigars.
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