News and Events
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Gilchrist County Elects its Advisory Council for 2019-2020
September 6, 2019
A new slate of Advisory Council members was elected to lead the tobacco prevention outreach of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Gilchrist at the latest quarterly meeting. Advisory Council members Debbie Destin, Lorrie Lee and Jean Troke were re-elected for another year of service.
 Advisory Council member Lorrie Lee |
Each member of the Advisory Council has done exemplary work in the community on behalf of the Tobacco Free Partnership including advocating for tobacco free policies and social norms, supporting youth prevention, and even helping to create tobacco-free parks and recreational areas. These activities are community interventions that follow the CDC Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs. The hard work of these volunteer leaders has made a positive difference in the community. Gilchrist County continues to lead the way in the State of Florida in moving toward tobacco-free policies to protect children and adults from the negative impacts of tobacco use, as well as promoting tobacco-free social norms. The Tobacco Free Partnership Advisory Council members are passionate about their community and use their free time to serve others by improving it. We would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to each of these dedicated volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the Tobacco Free Partnership of Gilchrist! |
Lorrie Lee has been a member of the Tobacco Free Partnership for eleven years. She has previously served on the Advisory Council several times and was re-elected to serve again. In addition to her work with the Partnership, she is also a Gilchrist County SWAT 4-H Club Advisor.
We decided to interview Lorrie to find out what makes being part of the Tobacco Free Partnership so important to her. Keep reading below to see what she has to say:
Why is working on tobacco issues important to you?
People need to be educated about tobacco products, including newer products like e-cigarettes and Juul. Kids need to be informed so they don’t ever start.
What have you learned while being part of the Tobacco Free Partnership?
One of the most impactful things is seeing how they [tobacco companies] market to kids.
What have you gotten out of being part of the Partnership?
I can talk to other people about issues and I have gained the knowledge regarding the way tobacco is marketed and the health impacts.
Why do you continue to be involved with the Partnership after eleven years?
There are more people who need to be educated and there are more new products coming out all the time that people need to know about.
What do you see as the most pressing issue regarding tobacco in Gilchrist County?
I think the most pressing issue right now is to be aware of how dangerous e-cigarettes are and that they aren’t a safe alternative.
If you could give one message to Gilchrist County about tobacco, what would it be?
Stop looking at tobacco as the norm. I’ve heard people say “kids will be kids,” but tobacco use shouldn’t be normal for anyone.
Thank you, Lorrie, for your long-term commitment to the Tobacco Free Partnership and for your work in the community.
