Ben Niehaus, left, Florence County School District superintendent, receives a recognition certificate and gift card from Ann Price, public health nurse with the Florence County Health Department. The district was recognized for its outstanding performance in youth tobacco/nicotine prevention and control.

FLORENCE, Wis. — The Northwoods Tobacco Free Coalition of Wisconsin is a regional coalition that works to decrease youth access to tobacco products and engages in prevention activities while promoting awareness through outreach to the public and community members.

The coalition works closely with the Wisconsin WINS program to help reduce tobacco’s impact on Wisconsin by keeping these products out of children’s hands.

An additional way the coalition works is by being a partner with the school districts. “We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated school administrator and staff for our community’s children,” said Ann Price, public health nurse for Florence County. “They are very proactive and work hard to keep our children safe in all areas.”

To recognize the Florence County School District for its efforts, the school was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for their outstanding performance in youth tobacco/nicotine prevention and control and a $50 gift card to use towards continued tobacco prevention activities.

Among Wisconsin youth, cigarette use continues to decline, from 10.7% in 2014 to 4.7% in 2018, while e-cigarette use continues to increase — 7.9% in 2014 and 20.1% in 2018.