News and Events
Building Momentum for a Tobacco-Free Community
June 5, 2026
As we close out the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the Tobacco Free Partnership of Indian River County is proud to reflect on a year of meaningful progress, collaboration, and impact. Through the dedication of our members and community partners, we continue working toward a healthier, tobacco-free environment for all residents.
Advancing Tobacco-Free School Policies
A major milestone this quarter is the planned adoption of the final NEOLA tobacco-free policy provision by the School District. This policy represents a comprehensive approach to ensuring all school campuses remain tobacco-free for students, staff, and visitors, reinforcing a culture of health and wellness across the district.
To support the rollout and ensure widespread awareness, the partnership has begun planning a Poster Contest for the 2026–2027 school year. This initiative will:
- Engage students in promoting tobacco-free messaging
- Foster peer-to-peer education and awareness
- Help communicate the updated policy in a creative and impactful way
We look forward to seeing student voices lead the way in promoting a tobacco-free future.
Expanding Access to Cessation Resources
Throughout the year, partnership members made significant strides in increasing access to tobacco cessation support. By collaborating with local healthcare facilities and community organizations, we successfully:
- Encouraged providers to integrate tobacco use screening questions into routine care
- Connected individuals with free, evidence-based cessation resources
- Strengthened referral pathways to support residents ready to quit
These efforts are helping ensure that more individuals have the tools and support they need to live tobacco-free lives.
Looking Ahead: Community Engagement Opportunities
Planning is underway for our next community initiative in partnership with Coastal Connections: a Beach Clean-Up Event scheduled for: September 19, 2026
This event will not only address environmental concerns related to tobacco waste but also raise awareness about the impact of tobacco products on our local ecosystems. We invite community members, families, and partners to join us for this meaningful day of service.
Thank You & Looking Forward
We extend our sincere gratitude to all our partners, stakeholders, and community members who contributed their time, energy, and expertise this year. Your commitment continues to drive positive change throughout Indian River County.
As we prepare for major changes during the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to build on this momentum, deepen our partnerships, and expand our impact. Together, we look forward to another productive and successful year ahead.
