About Tobacco Free Ravalli:

 

 

 

Mission Statement

The mission of Tobacco Free Ravalli County is to address the public health crisis caused by the use of all forms of commercial tobacco products. Tobacco Free Ravalli will work to eliminate tobacco use, especially among young people, through statewide programs and policies.

 

Tobacco Free Ravalli and its partners are not against tobacco users, we stand in opposition to the industries that manufacture tobacco products

in order to profit off of death, destruction, and disease 

 

 

Program Goals

 To reduce disease, disability, and death related to tobacco use by:

•      1. Preventing tobacco and vape use among young people

  • 2. Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke

  • 3. Eliminating disparities related to tobacco use and its effects among certain 

        population groups

  • 4. Promoting quitting among adults and young people

 

 

 

Established

• Tobacco Free Ravalli is part of the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program working at the community level in Ravalli County and was established around 2003.  

 

Funding

• All funding for Tobacco Free Ravalli is provided by the  Montana Tobacco Prevention Program (MTUPP) from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement against the tobacco industries, grants and fundraising events.

 

Policy Advancements

• Since 2003, we have seen many changes in tobacco laws in our community and across the state  including the 2005 clean indoor air act, and the 2009 amendment to include all enclosed places including bars, taverns and casinos.

 

The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA)

• one of the most important public health policies in state history. Laws like the CIAA reduce heart attack rates by at least 20 percent. These laws also reduce lung disease, including lung cancer, as well as other debilitating and fatal illnesses, and they protect unborn children and young children from health problems.

 

Partnerships

• Tobacco Free Ravalli’s message continues to build momentum in Ravalli County collaborating with many community organizations, community members, and all school districts.

 

Youth Empowerment

• The reACT! Against Corporate Tobacco Youth Coalition has strong roots in many of the County’s school districts, including Trapper Creek Job Corps . With over 30 student participants the program continues to grow and thrive.