For the last four fiscal years, BMHA has been the contractor for the Baltimore City Health Department Youth Tobacco Enforcement Initiative (YTEI). We successfully recruited and trained approximately 35 youth from around the city via public and charter high schools to participate in “Sting Operations” to purchase tobacco products in Baltimore city retail outlets. BMHA staff trains new youth workers regarding the state law regarding selling tobacco and tobacco-related products to minors and in the step-by-step procedures to attempt to make a purchase in a retail establishment.
BMHA has hosted several community events to
promote tobacco prevention among youth
“No Smoking” Skate Party
BMHA partnered with the Maryland Department of Health, Renaissance Academy High School, and Department of Recreation Shake and Bake Skate Center to host a “No Smoking Skate Party” for Baltimore area youth and community residents. The first 100 attendees received free skates rental and a food coupon. The evening of skating fun was peppered with visuals, handouts and t-shirts with messaging encouraging each person to stop smoking or not to start.
“Safe Summer” Festival
The end of the school year was celebrated with BMHA partnering with Renaissance Academy High School and Seeds of Promise for an outdoors “safe summer” festival. The public was invited to experience culinary delights, vendors and local leaders; our tobacco prevention and smoking cessation messaging was front and center.
“Love Messages”
Students with a parent/guardian/grandparent that smokes were recruited from Renaissance Academy High School to share a “Love Message” revealing what it meant to the student and family member if he/she stopped smoking.