Tobacco Free Lancaster County
E-News July 2019
Wrapping up the 2017-2019 Communities of Excellence Grant
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Welcomes a New Health Educator
Albania. She is originally from Florida and holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Central Florida. Cassandra will be leading the Business-School Task Force of the Tobacco Free Lancaster County Coalition and brings a fresh new perspective to tobacco control activities. Cassandra spends her free time avidly supporting the U.S. Women's Soccer team.
2019 Legislative Update
Next, LB294 appropriated $2.579 million in fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to fund Tobacco Free Nebraska, and by extension, the Lancaster County Tobacco Control Program. As such, we will be able to continue convening stakeholders to reduce tobacco use with our existing and new partners. New partners in July 2019 include the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, the UNL LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Lincoln Public Schools, and the U.S. Army National Guard.
Finally, LB397 passed. This bill is similar to LB149 in that it replaces the term "vapor products" with "electronic nicotine delivery systems" (ENDS). The bill also requires licensing of retailers selling ENDS and makes changes regarding the qualified escrow funds to which qualified tobacco product manufacturers make contributions.
Each of these measures goes into effect January 1, 2020.
Youth Vaping Prevention and Education
The five module presentation will be recorded and available for use by other youth service organizations for staff training. Please contact a tobacco health educator at (402) 441-4605 for more information!