TFLC Coalition Meeting Minutes

Thank you for being at our August coalition meeting. We hope it was a valuable time for you the same way we appreciated your time, input, and support in advancing TFLC's mission to reduce tobacco use and initiation.

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

Attendees: Abbe Edgecombe (SCIP), Sarah Roehl (SCIP), Sadie Jensen (LLCHD), Eunice Oladeji (TFLC/LLCHD), Amanda Jorge (El Centro), Kristin Walstad (Friendship Home).

Motion to Approve Minutes: Kristin Walstad (1st), Abbe Edgecombe (2nd).

The meeting discussion, amongst other things, centered on the Childproof Vapes Task Force, which aims to advocate for child safety mechanisms in vape devices, particularly concerning disposable vapes. A palm card featuring safety tips for parents and caregivers was presented, designed to raise awareness about vaping around children. Current plan is for TFLC to be seeking more input and information at the National Conference on Tobacco or Health.

Various committees were reviewed, including the cessation referral committee, which Kristin Walstad detailed as working on a database of support services for those looking to quit smoking. Sarah Roehl shared initiatives for vaping prevention targeting middle school students, while Abbe Edgecombe reported on the first vaping referral of the school year. The team discussed the creation of quit kits with accessible information for students and adults, emphasizing the need for educational materials on vaping's addictive nature and health risks.

Upcoming events, such as the UNL Big Red Welcome and the Lincoln Unites and Latino Festival, were also discussed, with a focus on collaboration and resource distribution across health initiatives. The group agreed to maintain communication regarding relevant events and outreach materials.

The task force has strong representation from various organizations but there is opportunity for more participation, especially from child safety groups, daycares, etc. The designed palm card will be made available across organizations for distribution. Sarah Roehl mentioned reaching out to Cara Lucas Scott (Early Childhood education at LPS) but is yet to receive a response.

Sadie and Eunice will be attending the National Conference on Tobacco or Health and will be on the lookout for information on this matter.

Committees will be resuming again.
Cessation Referral Committee: Headed by Kristin. Will continue working on a database of healthcare networks for those looking to quit tobacco use.
Youth Committee: Headed by Eunice. Will continue working on youth related tobacco prevention and education including the mirror clings, vape disposal, nicotine pouches, with some collaboration with the childproof vapes task force.

Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing Committee: Headed between Eunice and Kristin. Will keep maintaining the registry, and raising awareness about smoke-free apartments.

Abbe mentioned the first vaping referral of the school year barely a week in. This emphasizes the importance of providing support and resources for students dealing with nicotine addiction. Discussion on potential strategies to explore held:

- Quitline cards

- Materials for adults in in-school suspension room spaces to help them have those conversations with students.

- A card with both Quitline and Truth Initiative information. Information on quit tobacco apps could be added to this.

- Pokemon cards - youth committee should work on this.

- Youth-focused quit kits. 'Pencil purse' style. include quit plan checklist from Truth Initiative, a graphic on why vapes are unsafe (addiction, finances, impact on focus and sleep, etc.), a cost score card (something like the real cost campaign).

*SCIP

- Participation in the Wordstock event put together by Linked2Literacy. Ongoing preparations for Red Ribbon Week: Sarah has presentations scheduled at Pound with grades 6,7, and 8. Also, still waiting to hear back from Lori at LPS on the elementary curriculum put together by the volunteer (Taylor).

*Kristin

- Now at Friendship Home. Shared details on an upcoming women's health fair.

*El Centro

- Preparations for Latino Festival are ongoing. It will be held at Antelope Park on September 13, 2025.

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!

August

• 24: UNL Big Red Welcome
• 26-28: National Conference on Tobacco or Health

September

• 7: Lincoln Unites
• 13: Latino Festival
• 18: Apartment Association of Nebraska

October

• 5: Harvest Moon Festival
• 8: Project Connect

November

• 6: Curry Clash

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