TFLC Coalition Meeting Minutes

Thank you for being at our October coalition meeting and sharing your favorite office supplies. Here's the curated list which can give you ideas for end-of-the-year office gifts: Binder clips; pens; calendar/planner; computers and the AI; notebooks, sharpie, old-school calculator.

Please review the minutes, let us know about any corrections, and be sure to check out the links for more information.

Attendees: Sarah Roehl (SCIP), Sadie Jensen (LLCHD), Eunice Oladeji (TFLC/LLCHD), Amanda Jorge (El Centro), Kristin Walstad (Friendship Home), Teri Effle (Region V), Tessah Fulk (SCIP), Angelina Stovall-Amos (LLCHD)

Motion to Approve Minutes: Sadie Jensen (1st), Teri Effle (2nd).

This meeting focused heavily on operational updates, upcoming event planning, and resource sharing for tobacco prevention. Key themes were the importance of early tobacco education in schools, inclusive engagement for Quit Tobacco Week, and educating the community on nicotine poisoning risks for children. Continuous collaboration and shared resources remain foundational to advancing Tobacco Free Lancaster County Coalition's mission.

• Working on integrating tobacco cessation into healthcare discussions.
• Received tobacco prevention materials from Tobacco Free Nebraska to distribute.
• Goal is to normalize tobacco-related discussions among staff.

• Collaboration with El Centro’s youth leadership council addressing vaping and mental health.
• Upcoming meeting scheduled at end of November (November 26) for support and resource sharing with youth group.

• Conducted vaping education presentations across school grade levels.
• Noted significant difference in perceptions from 6th to 8th grade; earlier education important.
• Shared observations of widespread vaping device litter in community parks, often collected by kids.
• Emphasized need for guidance about proper handling when finding vape devices.
• Provided quit line materials for schools, particularly for in-school suspension rooms.
• Noted positive engagement and meaningful conversations with students.

• Emphasized importance of accessing DHHS Tobacco Free Nebraska resources.
• Noted material order limits (max 25) encourage local printing to supplement.
• Discussed ongoing collaboration with Parks and Recreation regarding vaping and smoking waste disposal signage.
• Anticipated participation at Pius X during Red Ribbon Week for informational outreach.

• Discussion on raising awareness about nicotine poisoning in children.
• Proposed advocacy through educational letters to Senator Hughes supporting safety regulations on tobacco devices. Coalition members encouraged to write letters, if interested and able.
• Collaboration meeting with Early Childhood Comprehensive Health Group planned for November 18.
  
  
• Reviewed updated educational flyers (see image below) and palm cards focused on nicotine poisoning symptoms and poison control prevention.
• Feedback emphasized clarity and seriousness of nicotine poison risk.
• Plans to distribute materials digitally and physically in child-rich environments (pediatric offices, daycares).
• Consideration to develop flyer/poster format for easier display in public areas.

• Transition from “Great American Smokeout” to broader “Quit Tobacco Week” to include all tobacco products and audiences.
• Materials available for order: flyers, yard signs, toothpick dispensers with cinnamon-flavored toothpicks, stickers, buttons.
• Encouraged snowball approach to engage more organizations and agencies.
• Eunice attended UNL Employee Wellness Fair, promoting Quit Tobacco Week and offering support for related events.
• Quit Kits contents detailed: pamphlets, gum (non-nicotine), toothbrush, toothpaste, stress balls, custom playing cards.
• Spanish-language materials available upon request.
• Governor’s Proclamation signing scheduled for November 4 at State Capitol; Coalition members invited to attend.

Please let us know if you have interest in assisting with any community events or if you have any events you would like us to participate in!

November

El Centro's Day of the Dead Celebration:

• November 1, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Nebraska History Museum
• Open invitation to Coalition members and community
  
  

Quit Tobacco Week Proclamation Signing

• November 4, 9:00 AM at the State Capitol.
  
  

• November 6, with sponsored tickets already claimed.
  
  

• November 17-21, with Great American Smokeout on November 20.

Our purpose is to promote health by educating the public about the dangers of tobacco and vapor product use.

Email: info@tobaccofreelancastercounty.org
Website: www.tobaccofreelancastercounty.org
Location: 3131 O Street, Lincoln, NE, USA
Phone: 402-441-8045
Facebook: facebook.com/tflcne