🚭 Take Down Tobacco Day 2025 🚭

On March 4-5, 2025, students from the Resist Chapter at Reno Valley Middle School took a stand against tobacco and nicotine use at the Kansas State Capitol during Take Down Tobacco Day! Along with their sponsors, Principal Vince Naccarato and Teacher Allie Frederick, as well as Kara Bunce from the Reno County Health Department, these passionate students met with local representatives to advocate for stronger tobacco prevention policies. They shared powerful personal stories and voiced their concerns about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine on youth. Their dedication to creating a healthier future for Kansas is inspiring! 💪

Avery Franklin (seated), Braelyn Smith, Ashten Brooks,  Representative Kyler Sweely, Rielyn Yagel, Madi Rohling, Annalise Henderson, Allie Frederick, Kara Bunce, Vince Naccarato

Resist and the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition Host Take Down Tobacco Day at the Capitol

On March 5, members of the Resist program and the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition hosted Take Down Tobacco Day at the Capitol, a National Day of Activism on which youth are encouraged to speak out against commercial tobacco companies and speak with policymakers about tobacco prevention.

“Take Down Tobacco Day is a powerful opportunity for youth to engage in civic action, develop leadership skills and challenge the harmful influence of Big Tobacco,” said Finn Lanning, Youth Tobacco Prevention Coordinator at KDHE. “By meeting with policymakers, students gain experience in advocacy, public speaking and the legislative process – ensuring that young Kansans have a voice in shaping policies that impact their communities.”

Tobacco use often begins at a young age, with nearly nine out of 10 adult daily smokers first trying smoking before turning 18. Adolescents are particularly at risk to nicotine addiction due to their underdeveloped brains. Commercial tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States. The use of tobacco products in any form, whether smoked or not, poses serious health risks. 

Previously known as Kick Butts Day, Take Down Tobacco Day provides an opportunity to educate students about the importance of youth when it comes to tobacco use prevention. The Statewide Resist Youth Council, in collaboration with the American Lung Association, led a training session on March 4 to prepare students to engage with policymakers. Each registered group then got a chance to meet with their local representatives. 

Resist is a youth-led program that focuses on peer-to-peer education, awareness, and policies that prevent tobacco and electronic cigarette/vaping use. Resist chapters are locally established, and chapters hold community awareness events to promote tobacco-free environments. Resist is made possible with the support of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition. 

Resources are available for teens who want to quit smoking or vaping. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 or visit the My Life My Quit website.  

If you are interested in starting a Resist chapter at your school, email Finn Lanning at [email protected]