Drug Free Action Alliance awards UT grant for effort to raise smoking age

March 16, 2017 | News, UToday, Health and Human Services
By Christine Billau



The University of Toledo received a $2,500 grant from the Drug Free Action Alliance with funding from the Ohio Department of Mental and Health Addiction Services as part of the #PUSH4Prevention Community Stipend.

Dr. Tavis Glassman, associate professor in the School of Population Health, is one of nine recipients across the state out of several dozen applicants that will use the funds to implement or enhance prevention programs in their communities.

UT was awarded the grant to advocate for the adoption of a citywide ordinance restricting the purchase of tobacco products to those ages 21 and older through a social norms campaign and summit.

“We are excited to be a part of a national movement to reduce tobacco use in our youth,” Dr. Amy Thompson, health education professor and co-director of the UT Center for Health and Successful Living, said. “The goal of Tobacco 21 policies is to keep today’s young people from being the next generation of smokers so they can live longer and healthier lives.”

Other recipients are the Wood County Prevention Coalition, Wright State University, the University of Cincinnati, Ohio Northern University, the Fayette County Prevention Coalition, Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Awareness of Morrow County, CIRCLE Coalition of Wayne County, and Community Action for Capable Youth in Richland County.

“We had many great applications, and I know that the recipients will do an excellent job of reducing substance misuse in their communities,” Marcie Seidel, executive director of the Drug Free Action Alliance, said.

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