INSIDE THIS ISSUE
- Menthol Ban Announcement
- Great American Smokeout
- Social Media Ideas
- Corrective Statements
- JUUL Settlement Listening Session Results
- Synar Survey and T21 in Wisconsin
- Paid Media Campaigns 2023-24
Menthol Ban Announcement
While the date of the FDA's proposed menthol ban is not yet confirmed, we are preparing. Here is what we are doing and how we plan to support you with communication tools:
This announcement will have a specifically strong impact on African Americans who smoke menthols in Wisconsin. We are working with Lorraine, Edgar, and Michael at the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network (WAATPN) and Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network (WTPPN) in Milwaukee, as they offered to take the lead in sending a media release on this topic. Our hope is to integrate DHS leaders into their comments and perspectives. TPCP and WAATPN/WTPPN are actively collaborating on this project. We will share a template version of this news release ASAP with coordinating social media assets. These resources will include opportunities to expand upon how the menthol ban will affect all Wisconsinites.
Since we don’t know what the final language within the (proposed) ban will be, we are focusing on what we do know:
- People will need awareness and access to appropriate cessation options.
- The specific attributes of menthol make it much more addictive and harmful.
- Big Tobacco has historically targeted specific populations with menthol messaging and products.
- We must correct misinformation about increased policing of people who possess menthol products. (This is not true. The ban it is only aimed at manufacturers).
The Great American Smokeout is November 16
Here is an updated GASO template news release. This year it uses language about changing one’s tobacco use (not simply “quitting”) and mentions the pending menthol ban as a reason to quit. Research shows people contemplate their tobacco journey long before they decide to quit, and this wording acknowledges that process with empathy. See below for GASO social media content, as well.
Ideas to Fill Your Social Calendar
Please consider these ideas for use on your organization's social media platforms during November and December:
- Great American Smokeout
- Additional holidays and observances
- Coming soon: Synar survey and menthol ban posts
View sample copy, browse resources and/or download graphics.
Corrective Statements: 17 Variations
Corrective statements must be posted at tobacco retailers from Oct. 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025. This is a result of the 2006 ruling against RJ Reynolds Tobacco and Philip Morris USA that ruled the big tobacco companies violated civil racketeering laws and lied to the public. There are 4,065 tobacco retailers in Wisconsin. On a recent TPCM call, there was interest in using these messages in social media posts, photo contests, or even FACT scavenger hunts. View all 17 variations of the corrective statements. More comms tactics are forthcoming on this topic.
JUUL Settlement Listening Session Results
The results of the JUUL Settlement Listening Sessions and Online Surveys will soon be published as a two-page fact sheet. Wisconsin DHS is crafting a statewide news release, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9, that will announce both these results and the corresponding TPCP Vaping Prevention and Treatment RFA Grant Opportunity.
Please note, the TPCP Vaping Prevention and Treatment Initiative RFA grant opportunity was announced separately on Monday, Nov. 6. TPCP will share the fact sheet and related comms tools via email shortly after DHS distributes their news release. In the meantime, please share the RFA with interested community partners.
The Synar Survey and T21 in Wisconsin
The Department of Health Services plans a statewide media release for November 15 on the increase in underage tobacco sales in Wisconsin in 2023. The release will report on the most recent Synar Survey results. With media interest, TPCP likes to direct journalists to interview local coalitions, also, for community-specific perspectives. Please reference these talking points should you have an interview opportunity.
Paid Media Campaigns (2023-24)
Review the latest updates on current or upcoming paid media campaigns. We update this chart for you every month.