News and Events
Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: Tobacco-Free Fair and Parent Awareness Effort
February 01, 2025
The Tobacco Free Partnership of DeSoto County continues its commitment to reducing tobacco use and exposure in the community. This year marked the second year of the DeSoto County Fair operating under its Tobacco-Free Policy, reinforcing a healthier, smoke-free environment for all attendees. To further support this initiative, the Partnership, in collaboration with Drug Free DeSoto, introduced the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer in the exhibit hall, providing parents with an eye-opening educational experience.
The interactive exhibit gave parents insight into the creative and often surprising ways youth may conceal tobacco products, particularly electronic vaping devices. From disguised vape pens to ordinary objects with hidden compartments, the exhibit highlighted the tobacco industry's relentless efforts to appeal to youth. Parents who toured the trailer gained valuable knowledge on the risks their children face and how to recognize potential warning signs.
The presence of the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer at the fair aligned perfectly with the ongoing efforts to create tobacco-free environments. The DeSoto County Fair Board of Directors has taken significant steps to protect community health by maintaining a tobacco-free fairground. With thousands of attendees each year, this policy not only reduces secondhand smoke exposure but also helps to change the social norm around tobacco use, particularly among youth. Signage, provided by the Tobacco Free Partnership, reinforces the tobacco-free policy by clearly designating restricted areas throughout the fairgrounds.
During the fair, Tobacco Free Partnership members and Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) volunteers were available to answer questions and educate attendees on the dangers of tobacco use. These efforts are crucial in combating the growing vaping epidemic among teens and ensuring that families have the resources to make informed decisions about tobacco and nicotine use.
“We are incredibly grateful to the DeSoto County Fair Board for their commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for our community,” said Jodie DeLoach, Tobacco Program Manager for DeSoto County. “By maintaining a tobacco-free fair and incorporating educational tools like the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer, we are taking a proactive stance against Big Tobacco’s influence on our youth.”
The Tobacco Free Partnership remains dedicated to increasing the number of tobacco-free venues and events throughout DeSoto County. Creating environments free of toxic exposure and industry influence is a vital step in protecting future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine use.
To learn more about adopting a tobacco-free policy at your event or venue, contact Jodie DeLoach, DeSoto County Tobacco Program Manager, at jdeloach@quitdoc.com.
