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Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is a Florida-based, youth created, grassroots advocacy group that is working to create a tobacco-free generation. All Florida middle and high school students, ages 11-17, are eligible to participate.
On August 25, 1997, the State of Florida negotiated a historic agreement to settle a lawsuit and avoid trial with the tobacco industry. The late Governor Lawton Chiles and the State of Florida Medicaid expenses caused by tobacco related diseases among Floridians. The nationally and internationally renowned SWAT Program was a major outcome of the lawsuit.
Youth throughout the State of Florida have joined together in a relentless fight against the tobacco industry and its manipulation and targeting of youth to use their product.
SWAT's Mission
SWAT is Florida's statewide youth organization to mobilize, educate, and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. A united movement of Florida empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future.
SWAT Out Tobacco by Paxon School for Advanced Studies
Never Quit Jax Beach Fest 2010
H.R. 1256; Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
Join SWAT
The goals of SWAT are to prevent and reduce tobacco use among youth and to protect youth from secondhand smoke. Youth have been the target of this program because 89% of adult daily smokers began smoking before the age of 18. SWAT chapters can be found in schools and communities throughout the State of Florida.
Youth in SWAT are engaged in activities that educate their peers and policy makers about the need to change social norms related to tobacco. Since SWAT began in 1998, youth who have ever tried cigarettes has decreased by 58.7% among middle school students and 44.3% among high school students.
SWAT not only promotes leadership, but also helps develop speaking skills and creates opportunities for youth to grow as community advocates. On a local level, SWAT Students participate in leadership workshops, local parades, commercial contests, art contests, writing contests, and various other anti-tobacco programming.
Students participate in local events such as: Relay for Life, carnivals, community wellness events, parades, leadership retreats, youth rallies, & peer education activities.
Tobacco Prevention Program Manager: Stephen McCloskey
DCHD Tobacco Prevention Program: (904) 253-1600