News and Events

Working Together for a Healthier, Smoke-Free Community
By Michelle Calandro
March 7, 2025

Greetings, valued supporters and advocates of a tobacco-free future! Together, we’re making strides towards a healthier Indian River County, and we couldn’t do it without your passion and commitment. Here’s an update of what’s been happening in our journey to educate, empower, and protect our community from the harmful effects of tobacco use:

1. Advocacy Update: Protecting the Next Generation
We’ve been hard at work advocating for the implementation and enforcement of tobacco-free parks and beaches ordinances within the county and municipalities. These efforts are critical to shielding our youth from exposure to harmful tobacco products and reducing their risk of starting tobacco use. With the support of dedicated community members like you, we’re building a safer environment for the next generation.

2. Community Spotlight: Hidden In Plain Sight Trailer Tour On January 21, 2025
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County was graciously hosted by Vice Chair Lieutenant Justin Knott and the Indian River County Sheriff's Office for an incredible tour of the Sheriff’s facility and Hidden In Plain Sight Trailer. This immersive experience offered the partnership members a unique opportunity to recognize potential warning signs of risky behaviors hidden in everyday household items. It was a fantastic learning experience, reinforcing the importance of education in making informed choices for healthier families. We’re so grateful for this invaluable resource and its impact on our community.

3. Upcoming Community Event: Community Resource Fair
Mark your calendars! Join us on March 21st, 2025, at United Against Poverty. Discover 90+ local nonprofits and explore the many resources available in our community in one place! This FREE event is open to the public, designed to connect you with valuable services and support. Visit our Tobacco Free Partnership table and join us in taking a stand against Big Tobacco. Let’s rally together to empower our youth and raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.

4. Quit & Win: Become A Success Story from Our Community
With the support of our local cessation programs you could be the next in line to reclaim your health and inspire your friends and family to embrace a smoke-free lifestyle. If you’re ready to quit, we’re here to help – find out more about cessation resources below.

5. Get Involved: How You Can Help
We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our mission! Whether you’re interested in helping with events, advocating for policy changes, or spreading awareness through outreach programs, there’s a place for you in our partnership. Together, we can make Indian River County a healthier, tobacco-free community.

Resources for a Smoke-Free Life

Thank You for Your Support! Every step we take together brings us closer to a future where tobacco use is a thing of the past. Thank you for your dedication to our mission – we’re honored to work alongside such an inspiring community. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out with your ideas, stories, or questions.