Kick Butts Day 2012

This academic year the REACH participants have been working on a youth against tobacco project though The 84 Movement, which helps mobilize youth to take action to protect their communities from the influence of the tobacco industry. The 84 Movement is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Program. In this project the youth have worked closely with Springfield’s Tobacco Control Program Coordinator to pass a city wide ban on the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. The Springfield Public Health Council unanimously voted to ban the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies on Kick Butts day 2012, Wednesday March 21st.

Earlier that same day the REACH Program youth participants joined hundreds of young people from across the state in Boston on Kick Butts Day to rally together as a movement to meet with legislators at the State House. After meeting with the legislators the youth hosted a public event inside the State House where they shared information with U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, about the tobacco industry’s tactics. She acknowledged the work that the youth have done in Massachusetts and voiced her support of the youth against big tobacco movement. In addition, Springfield Central High School junior, Duong Huynh, was recognized and celebrated by legislators, MTCP officials and The 84 youth as the The 84’s 2012 Western MA Regional Youth Leadership Award recipient.