#United States #Minnesota #Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids #Youth Advocates #Ramsey County SAT

Minnesota's Ramsey County Youth Advocates Recognized

In an inspiring recognition of youth activism, the Ramsey County Student Action Team from Minnesota has been awarded the title of Group Youth Advocates of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. This honor, to be celebrated during the 2025 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards in Washington, D.C. on May 8, reflects the team's unwavering commitment to combatting tobacco use and nicotine addiction among young people.

The Ramsey County Student Action Team, comprised of passionate members including Clara Seeley, Summer Balfanz, and Mỹ Linh Nguyẽn, has taken significant strides in advocating for effective anti-tobacco policies at both local and state levels. The team has observed the devastating effects of tobacco on their community, motivating them to work persistently against Big Tobacco's efforts to target youth. Their collective mission aims to halt the harmful practices of the tobacco industry, which they deem as detrimental to their peers and community health.

Throughout their campaign, the members of this dedicated group have been instrumental in pushing for stricter regulations in several Minnesota cities, such as Vadnais Heights, Arden Hills, and New Brighton. Their initiatives have included efforts to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products, implementing caps on the number of retailers permitted to sell tobacco, and increasing penalties for non-compliance among retailers. At the state level, their advocacy has involved direct engagement with legislators, raising public awareness through media interactions, and rallying support for statewide legislation aimed at ending flavored tobacco sales. Their activism is crucial in the broader fight against youth tobacco use in Minnesota, where alarming statistics show that 4.5% of high school students smoke cigarettes and 13.9% use e-cigarettes.

Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, expressed her admiration for the Ramsey County Student Action Team, stating, “We are thrilled to honor the Ramsey County Student Action Team as our Group Youth Advocates of the Year. These young people have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment in working to reduce youth tobacco use in Minnesota. Their efforts are helping to create the first tobacco-free generation.”

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, group members will receive scholarships to further support their tobacco prevention initiatives. They will be celebrated alongside other youth advocates and public health leaders from around the globe during the Awards Ceremony on May 8th.

The tobacco epidemic is a serious public health issue, with tobacco use being the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, claiming over 490,000 lives each year and incurring an astounding $241 billion in related healthcare costs annually. Globally, tobacco kills more than 8 million individuals each year.

In Minnesota alone, tobacco consumption results in approximately 5,900 deaths annually, accounting for $2.9 billion in healthcare expenses. With their proactive approach, the Ramsey County Student Action Team stands as a beacon of hope, driving forward the agenda for a healthier future.

For more about the youth award winners and to access a wealth of resources on tobacco prevention, visit tfk.org/awards and tobaccofreekids.org.