News and Events

The Work of the Tobacco Free Partnership of Gilchrist County Continues... Virtually!
May 27, 2020

It is no secret that the last few months have been difficult for everyone as we pulled together to fight COVID-19. Schools were closed in favor of virtual education, people stayed at home, and most gatherings turned to virtual means using Zoom or conference calls to continue meeting. The Tobacco Free Partnership and Gilchrist Students Working Against Tobacco usually hold several meetings over the course of a few months, so we had to work together to try to stay connected and working in the community during these trying times.

Since many people were asked to stay at home, it may not be apparent that so many organizations were continuing to work behind the scenes. Our Gilchrist Students Working Against Tobacco chapter is part of Gilchrist County 4-H and all of our clubs went virtual during this time. Our club members did not let this stop them! SWAT members from Trenton and Bell gathered virtually via Zoom to hold a chapter meeting which was meaningful and impactful for our members. They were even able to learn some new information about tobacco products and tobacco marketing during their meeting.

In addition, the Tobacco Free Partnership of Gilchrist continued meeting via Zoom. Our Advisory Board as well as our general membership both have been active since March. The Partnership has been working with local groups such as the Gilchrist Library and the Gilchrist Prevention Coalition to spread information about Tobacco Free Florida Week and World No Tobacco Day, as well.

It is really important to note that our partners are still working to protect the health and wellbeing of the community during these difficult times. We are thankful for Partnership members who stay in communication with each other, spread information to people with whom they work, and continue to support the work we do in the community to help protect young people from tobacco and nicotine use and marketing.

In the months ahead, we hope to be able to meet again in person and continue our work as we have previously. However, if that is not possible, the Tobacco Free Partnership and Gilchrist SWAT have shown that they can adapt to the situation and plan to serve you whether in person or virtually.

For more information about joining Gilchrist County SWAT or the Tobacco Free Partnership of Gilchrist, please contact us at info@TFP-Gilchrist.org.