We are sponsored by the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the State of Florida office of Health Promotion and Wellness. Our mission is to prevent youth addiction to tobacco. Through Policy, Program Services and Media Advocacy. The HEAT coalition is concerned about the effects of tobacco on youth and on non-smokers. We are developing programs with young people in schools and in the community that are designed to educate and to create a change in thinking about tobacco use.
Youth believe that most adults smoke and that it is therefore a symbol of adulthood.
But in fact only a quarter of adults smoke. Youth believe they will only smoke for a few years and ten quit. We keep the media informed of our programs and events because we want the word to get out. As the issue remains public, people think about it, form new ideas, change their behavior, and change the accepted norm. When the norm changes and tobacco use is less acceptable in our community, youth interest in tobacco and peer pressure to use tobacco may also decrease.