Former Tobacco Marketing Exec. Headlines 2021 Anti-Tobacco Youth

Internationally known and nationally acclaimed tobacco control and anti-bullying advocate, LaTanisha Wright will headline the 2021 KBG and DANTE Virtual Summit for Delaware teens and young adults who are passionate about tobacco prevention. The virtual event runs from March 19th – April 5th. Attendees will hear from interesting speakers and partake in networking activities.

“We are excited to be able to join together virtually to stop the lies big tobacco companies have been spreading for years,” said Julian Santiago, KBG statewide chair from Hodgson Vo-Tech High School. “We are equipping ourselves with the tools to address tobacco-related issues in our schools and communities.”

The Summit will educate participants about the dangerous marketing tactics used by Big Tobacco and emphasize how the industry targets disparate populations.

“With the use of e-cigarettes among middle and high school students skyrocketing, events such as these Summits are crucial,” said Matt Coyle specialist, health promotions, American Lung Association of DE. “Educating students on the health effects of tobacco is vital as tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.”

About Kick Butts Generation: The KBG was started in 1999 with 13 schools participating. Outspoken teen leaders from these schools were tired of bathrooms being used for smoking. They wanted smoking out of their schools and to inform their peers on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine. The Kick Butts Generation is made possible through the Division of Public Health's Youth Tobacco Prevention and Education Contract. Funding for the contract is provided by the Delaware Health Fund and managed by the American Lung Association in Delaware. Learn more at KBGde.org.

About Delawareans Against Nicotine and Tobacco Exposure (DANTE):
DANTE (Delawareans Against Nicotine and Tobacco Exposure) is a movement led by young adults ages 18-24 and comprised of every young adult in Delaware who takes it upon his or herself not to use tobacco or nicotine. DANTE’s mission is to free Delawareans of tobacco and nicotine use through awareness, prevention, and cessation support. DANTE is the faceless entity that embodies the strength and passion of the Delaware community as it works to make the state a cleaner, safer place and made possible through Division of Public Health's Youth Tobacco Prevention and Education Contract. Funding for the contract is provided by the Delaware Health Fund and managed by the American Lung Association in Delaware. Learn more at wearedante.com.

About the American Lung Association: The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level Guide Star Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.