Longwood Jr. High School Students,Take a Stand against Tobacco

Students from the Empire State Afterschool Program at Longwood Junior High School joined Reality Check students from Long Island for a postcard writing activity meant to raise awareness about youth tobacco use in local Long Island communities and the dangers of Juul and other e-cigarettes. These postcards, which asked policy makers to help "create the first tobacco free generation because tobacco has killed enough" will be mailed out to out to Brookhaven Town Council Members . The campaign uses the hashtag #BeTheFirst.

Reality Check LI is the youth action component of the Tobacco Action Coalition of LI which is funded by a grant from the NYS Department of Health's Bureau of Tobacco Control administered by the American Lung Association. Reality Check is a state-wide, youth led initiative that focuses on educating and empowering youth to address the tobacco industry and their deceptive marketing practices. Reality Check LI provides opportunities for youth to gain skills in leadership, team building, media and public speaking. The youth perspective and voice is important in creating sustainable change in our communities