CapRadio, an NPR member station in Sacramento, recently interviewed Kim Homer Vagadori, executive director of California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN), a project of Heluna Health, about youth involvement in tobacco-free advocacy programs.
The story highlights Youth Quest, CYAN’s annual rally at the state capitol, which gives youth advocates from across the state the opportunity to meet with legislators and promote tobacco-free policies.
“Our youth program focuses on engaging young people in local tobacco-free initiatives, providing them with the training and support needed to become effective advocates,” Homer Vagadori said in the story.
Youth Quest participants engage in peer-led activities including educational presentations and a press conference. This past spring, more than 350 young people from across California participated in the event.
As the tobacco industry continues to release new products like smart vapes and oral nicotine pouches, which target young users, CYAN youth advocates have focused on raising awareness among their peers about these marketing tactics, and about the negative physical, mental and social impacts of using tobacco.
Click here to read the full story from CapRadio.
