Northeast Florida Youth Vaping Symposium

In 2023, 12.5% of Florida high school students reported current e-cigarette use. The American Heart Association First Coast and Tobacco Free Jacksonville are hosting a symposium on Saturday, May 4, 2024 to address youth vaping and tobacco use in Northeast Florida (particularly Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties) with support from the Florida Blue Foundation.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the 4-hour event will be held at the Florda Blue Conference Center in Jacksonville, FL and is open to local experts, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members. The symposium will serve as a catalyst for change, bringing together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, strategize, and collaborate in the fight against Big Tobacco.

The informative half-day long program will help attendees:

• Gain newfound awareness of current trends and risks associated with youth nicotine use;

• Discuss best practices and successful evidence-based intervention strategies that help create a supportive environment;

• Feel energized to mobilize their community to actively participate in prevention efforts and encourage advocacy among youth populations.

The symposium agenda – co-developed by the American Heart Association First Coast and Tobacco Free Jacksonville – features a general plenary, four concurrent breakout sessions (based on participant type: youth, educators, healthcare, parents), lunch/networking, and a panel discussion. Continuing education credits will be available for healthcare professionals and educators.

Notably, President and CEO, GuideWell and Florida Blue, Pat Geraghty will offer a welcome keynote address.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET

Location: Florida Blue Conference Center (4800 Deerwood Campus Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246)

Cost: Free

Host or Publisher Tobacco Free Jacksonville Coalition