Mayor Michael Schmitz | Mayor Michael Schmitz Official website
Mayor Michael Schmitz | Mayor Michael Schmitz Official website
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) is set to host the annual Break Free Youth Action Summit (YAS) on October 7, 2025, at the Bismarck Event Center. The event is organized in partnership with Tobacco Free North Dakota and will welcome around 150 middle and high school students along with their advisors. Participation in the summit is free of charge.
The YAS aims to equip young advocates with tools and resources to help them advocate for a tobacco-free generation. Students attending the summit will have access to leadership training and guidance on how to effectively raise their voices in support of tobacco prevention initiatives.
Samuel Allen, a national youth advocacy leader from Truth Initiative, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. He will be joined by Truth Champions who are experienced in national-level tobacco prevention efforts. The speakers plan to share strategies used by Truth Initiative that have contributed to reducing youth tobacco use nationwide. Attendees will also learn about leadership principles relevant to promoting public health among their peers.
“We are excited to host the annual Bismarck Youth Action Summit,” said Alex Menke, BBPH tobacco prevention specialist. “National organizations like Truth Initiative have made an impact in the tobacco prevention space, and we are looking forward to providing students with new ways to learn about the role they play in advocating for a healthier tomorrow. Tobacco prevention is vital in our communities, and attending the summit gives students the tools they need to take action not just for their own life but for a healthier world.”
Recent data shows that while traditional youth smoking rates have declined, e-cigarette use among high school students remains significant. According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, vaping rates among North Dakota high school students stand at 18%, which is higher than adult usage at 9%.
Following the summit, participating students will collaborate on activities related to national anti-tobacco events such as the Great American Smokeout scheduled for November 20 and the Great American Spit Out on February 19, 2026.
More information about the event can be found at https://tfnd.org/youth-action-summit/.
Media representatives are permitted entry for recording purposes but are requested to minimize disruption during arrival and departure. Interview requests with student participants can be arranged through Alex Menke on the day of the event.
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