Hello, my name is Annie Miller. I'm a sophomore at Vanoss High School in Oklahoma. I am a part of Youth Action for Health Leadership (YAHL), and one of our campaigns I work on is CounterAct Tobacco. 

Not everyone knows about the dangers of e-cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products. CounterAct Tobacco works to bring awareness to these dangers and the impact tobacco can have on Oklahoma youth. Tobacco products can contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, and nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first tried smoking before the age of 18.

Many youth in my community are affected by vaping and e-cigarettes, and youth may get these products from adults around them. Nicotine can harm parts of adolescent brain development. E-cigarette use can also expose youth to harmful substances and negatively impact their health.

CounterAct Tobacco helps raise awareness about these issues and the need to protect Oklahoma youth. By raising awareness, we can speak up and educate our communities about policies that can help reduce youth access to tobacco products. Through presentations and events, youth advocates can help bring these dangers to the surface. 

I have given multiple CounterAct Tobacco presentations to middle school students, along with participating in Take Down Tobacco Day. Through these opportunities, I have been able to educate others and bring awareness to the dangers of tobacco products. CounterAct Tobacco can help make Oklahoma a healthier place for youth like me.

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Blog Written By: Annie Miller, Vanoss High School