Bismarck Burleigh Public Health to Host Annual Break Free Youth Action Summit

Bismarck Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) will host the Break Free Youth Action Summit (YAS) on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at the Bismarck Events Center. The event is organized and supported by BBPH and Tobacco Free North Dakota (TFND). Approximately 150 middle and high school students and their advisors are expected to attend the summit, which is offered at no cost to participants.

The YAS provides a unique opportunity for youth advocates to demonstrate their passion and commitment in helping create the next tobacco free generation. The summit will give students tools and resources to find their voice and advocate for change. Our speaker this year is Nikkya Taliaferro, National Youth Ambassador for Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK). Taliaferro will share her knowledge and experience in tobacco prevention while expounding on CTFK strategies that assist in the fight to decrease youth tobacco use. Attendees will learn about the foundational principles of youth advocacy and latest strategies.

Bismarck Burleigh Public Health Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Alexis Raymond, says, "We are excited to host the Annual Bismarck Youth Action Summit! The impact of one youth voice can change a generation, so can you imagine over 150 voices standing up for positive change in our communities and throughout our state. Tobacco prevention is vital, and attending the summit gives students the tools they need to take action not just for their own life but for a healthier world."

Youth are at the center of the nation's current vaping epidemic. Although we have seen a significant decrease in youth smoking rates over the last few years, vaping, or use of electronic cigarettes, among high school students remains high. According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data, the current vaping rate among North Dakota high school students is 18%, which is higher than the ND adult e-cigarette use rate at 9%.

In the weeks and months following the summit, attending students will work with their peers to create activities for annual tobacco prevention holidays, Great American Smoke Out (November 21st) and Great American Spit Out (Feb. 20th, 2024).

For more information, please visit https://www.breathend.com/youth-action-summit/

Editor's note: Media will be allowed into the event for recording purposes but are asked to keep their entrance and exit discreet, so as not to disrupt participants. Media may request interviews with youth participants the day of the summit through coordination with Alexis Raymond.