Neighbor News
Former Tobacco Marketing Exec. Headlines 2021 Anti-Tobacco Youth
Virtual Summit for Delaware Teens and Young Adults
Internationally known and nationally acclaimed tobacco control and anti-bullying advocate, La Tanisha Wright headlined the 2021 KBG and DANTE Virtual Summit. Attendees were Delaware teens and young adults who are passionate about tobacco prevention.
“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 educates participants about the dangerous marketing tactics used by Big Tobacco and emphasizes 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.”
To learn more about joining KBGde or DANTE and get involved with tobacco prevention in Delaware, visit KbGde.org for middle and high schoolers and wearedante.org for Delawareans age 18-24.
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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.
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.