News to Use: April 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

  • Tobacco is Changing Campaign Update
  • Live Vape Free for Young Adults
  • Vape Disposal Messaging for Earth Day
  • No Menthol Sunday 2024
  • Reminders from Recent News to Use Issues
  • Paid Media Campaigns 2023-24

Tobacco is Changing Campaign Update

The TIC campaign ended on Feb 11, 2024. There will be a campaign extension from March 25–June 2, 2024. Therefore, the components of the end-of-campaign report will be shared at the end of June. That report will include media metrics, outcomes, and recommendations.


New! Live Vape Free for Young Adults

social media

As of March, Live Vape Free offers a new service specifically designed for young adults who want to quit vaping. The free service will be promoted to the first cohort (ages 18-26) exposed to widespread commercial electronic vaping devices. It is designed to meet their unique needs for support, text-based communication, nicotine replacement therapy, and other life-stage considerations.

Please note: Live Vape Free is a single program, not separate teen and young adult versions. Only participants over 18 will be offered NRT if medically eligible. The main logistical change is that LVF is now available to all people ages 13-26 (as opposed to only 13-17). The call to action is the same: Text “VAPEFREE” to 873373 or visit livevapefree.com.


Thinking Locally

This new service for young adults is newsworthy. Please consider using this Live Vape Free for Young Adults news release template and social media posts to help spread the word.


Vape Disposal Messaging for Earth Day

trash can icon

Earth Day is April 22, 2024, and it’s a good time to raise awareness around the environmental harms of vaping and smoking. Here is a sample LTE about vape disposal that you might choose to customize for your community. This template news release is reformatted from a similar one we prepared last fall. Consider using these social media ideas for Earth Day.


ROOTED IN POWER

The Theme for No Menthol Sunday 2024

campaign illustration

Rooted in Power is the theme for the 10th anniversary of No Menthol Sunday on May 19, 2024. Established by the Center for Black Health and Equity, No Menthol Sunday has helped raise the issue of menthol as a social justice issue and public health concern.

Menthol affects all Wisconsinites but has had an especially harmful impact on African Americans, veterans, youth, rural populations, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with mental health concerns. TPCP is currently facilitating discussions about how to continue to grow the menthol movement statewide. We will have an update in the May issue of News to Use and keep you informed in the meantime.


Thinking Locally
Now is the time to approach local leaders about issuing a proclamation for No Menthol Sunday. A proclamation can turn into a news story, too. There are fact sheets and other helpful resources in the No Menthol Sunday toolkit. Please contact Gina Larsen if you would like assistance crafting a message for the communities you serve.


REMINDERS FROM RECENT N2U ISSUES

Earned Media Opportunity: Vape Shop Licensing

On December 6, 2023, Wisconsin Act 73 was signed into law. Among other changes, this legislation subjects electronic vaping devices to the same retail licensing requirements as cigarettes and tobacco products.


Thinking Locally

Please consider embracing this opportunity to pitch a news story to your local media outlets about access to tobacco and vaping products in the communities you serve. This news release template is a good starting point.


Messaging on Menthol

The CDC Tips ® from Former Smokers Campaign relaunched in February. This year’s creative is steeped in the harm and history of menthol on people and families. There are several high-quality communications tools available for your use:

Thinking Locally

The Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network has collaborated with TPCP to produce social posts to raise awareness of harm caused by menthol on all Wisconsin communities. Please customize these assets to spark conversations where you live and work. The image library includes people from many ages and backgrounds.


Paid Media Campaigns 2023-24

Review the latest updates on current or upcoming paid media campaigns. We update this chart for you every month.


Share your feedback, ask a question, or submit an idea for a future issue -- contact the TPCP Communications Team