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  • Support | ANSRMN.ORG

    SUPPORT ANSR Our commercial tobacco prevention work wouldn't be possible without the generous contributions of our donors. You can donate to ANSR any day by visiting our page on the GiveMN.org website. DONATE TODAY! Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser Every year since 1983, ANSR has raised money for the organization by hosting traditional plant and garage sales. Your support is vital to ANSR (and is tax-deductible!) The 41st annual plant sale will be held in May 2025. ANSR will no longer be hosting garage sale fundraisers. Plant Sale Time: May 16-17 2025, 9 AM - 5 PM daily Location: 1647 Laurel Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104 Want to get involved in our work? Protecting the next generation from the harms of commercial tobacco products starts with community members like YOU. Please fill out this form and an ANSR staff member will be in touch with more details. Contact us First name* Last name Email* Phone number Write a message Submit

  • Tobacco 101: Lesson Nine | ANSRMN.ORG

    Lesson Nine: Electronic Cigarettes (Vapes): A Deeper Dive Lesson Nine (PDF) Lesson Nine (PPT) Lesson Files N/A Videos Ingredients in E-Cigarettes and Vaping Products - Dr. Leslie

  • Alexandra Eberhart

    Project Lead STAFF DIRECTORY Jeanne Weigum President Jeanne Weigum has served as the President of ANSR since 1980, though her path to leading the organization for nearly four decades has somewhat humble roots. The Association for Nonsmokers’ Rights, as it was called at the time, was in the midst of fighting for the nation’s first statewide clean indoor air law in 1975. Jeanne saw an ad in a local paper about the association’s work and decided to become a member, which only cost $1. After becoming a member, Jeanne soon joined the ANSR board and eventually moved her way up to the full-time President, a role for which she has never taken a salary. From ground-breaking smoke-free housing work to innovative approaches to preventing youth tobacco use, she has provided strategic direction for numerous public policy wins in Minnesota. She remains deeply committed to enhancing public health and her community. When not fighting the good fight at ANSR, you’ll find Jeanne baking in the winter, gardening in the spring and summer, and up to her ankles in rescue dogs year round. Email Jeanne Emily Anderson Director of Policy Emily Anderson is a Program Director who focuses on point-of-sale policy work and clean outdoor air in parks and on college campuses. Since her first year at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Emily knew she wanted to work at a nonprofit and contribute to a greater good. After graduate school and stops at a few other nonprofits, she found her niche in public health policy and tobacco prevention at ANSR. Emily has supported dozens of Minnesota communities in passing tobacco-free parks policies and has worked closely with colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota, in adopting tobacco-free campus policies. She advocated for a first-of-its-kind cigar pricing ordinance in Brooklyn Center. She has presented at several public health conferences, including the National Summit on Smokeless and Spit Tobacco and the National Conference on Tobacco or Health. Outside of work Emily enjoys spending time with her family in Minneapolis and heading into the great outdoors to bike, camp and skijor. While Minnesota is now home, she takes pride in teaching her two young daughters to say “Go, Pack, Go!” Email Emily Esha Seth Director of Technical Assistance Esha Seth serves as the Technical Assistance Program Coordinator. In her role, Esha works with county health departments across the state and community organizations that represent various diverse communities to provide resources and guidance on their tobacco prevention initiatives in schools, worksites, grounds, parks, and point of sale policy initiatives. During her time at ANSR, Esha has worked on developing relationships with individuals and provides guidance and resources to assist with the implementation and enforcement of tobacco prevention policies and initiatives. Esha has also worked to help create the free online retailer training that helps educate tobacco retailers on state laws on selling tobacco. Most recently, Esha worked with the Isanti County public health department and their local substance abuse prevention coalition to increase the tobacco sales age from 18 to 21 for all licensed tobacco retailers in the county. Esha is currently working on wrapping up her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Outside of school and work, Esha enjoys travelling and is making travel plans for her next big adventure around the world. Email Esha Katie Engman Program Director Policy & Compliance Katie Engman is a Program Director. Since 2002, Katie has coordinated and supported diverse school- and community-based tobacco prevention programming and advocacy work. Katie is currently working to reduce the amount of tobacco advertising and marketing aimed at youth. Much of Katie’s career has been focused on youth prevention, education, advocacy and engagement resulting in national awards for students. Some of her policy accomplishments include: numerous tobacco-free park policies, a smoke-free workplace ordinance in Ramsey County, an imitation tobacco ordinance and sign ordinance updates in St. Paul, flavored tobacco restrictions in multiple metro communities, numerous city ordinance updates to reflect the changing landscape of tobacco. She also directs the North Suburban Tobacco Compliance Project working to reduce youth access to commercial sources of tobacco. This is a one of a kind model with coordination with cities, law enforcement and youth. Outside the office one might find Katie in the middle of a lake, having arrived there via swimming, boating, or paddling. She also enjoys planning family adventures, such as trips to the beach and cheering on her kids at their activities. Email Katie Jackie Siewert Program Director Live Smoke Free Jackie Siewert is the Program Director for the Live Smoke Free Program. Jackie joined the ANSR team in 2014 with a background in property management and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota. As Program Director for the Live Smoke Free program she works with local and national stakeholders, such as renters, homeowners, property managers, property owners, and public health advocates, to educate decision makers and promote smoke-free housing. Jackie has supported hundreds of multi-housing properties in adopting smoke-free policies, developed numerous educational tools and resources, and spoken at many health and housing events. Jackie also manages Live Smoke Free communications, including quarterly newsletters, social media, and website content. Inside Jackie’s office one will find a variety of cacti and vining plants. In her spare time, Jackie enjoys running, biking, art festivals, and cats. Email Jackie Kara Skahen Program Director Minnesota Prevention Resource Center Kara serves as the Project Director for the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center (MPRC). In her role she provides programmatic oversight and manages administrative duties. Kara has worked in public health prevention for over ten years, primarily in commercial tobacco prevention. Kara is also a Program Director for the Association for Nonsmokers-MN where she leads smoke-free housing policy initiatives and provides tobacco technical assistance to Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grantees. Outside of work Kara enjoys running with her dog, cooking, reading, and gardening. Kara has a Master of Social Work and Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. Email Kara Chris Smith Community Policy Advocate Chris started at ANSR as a contracted Campaign Organizer in 2020 and officially joined the team as a Community Policy Advocate in 2022. Chris enjoys connecting communities with lawmakers and city leadership. He believes that community engagement is key to developing sound equitable policies. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in advocacy and political leadership -both from Metropolitan State University. He comes to ANSR with a breadth of community organizing experience, from working closely with faith communities as a congregational organizer, to field organizing during numerous election cycles for political and issue campaigns. At ANSR Chris is focused on local tobacco prevention policy at point of sale and smoke-free housing. While not working in the office, Chris spends much of his time biking, developing bikepacking routes for his next adventure, and cheering on the St. Paul Saints with friends and family. Chris is a downtown St. Paul resident and considers himself to be an “armchair Urbanist” since he often criticizes street design, even though he does not hold a degree in engineering or urban planning. Email Chris Jason Lind Director of Finance Jason Lind is ANSR’s Director of Finance. He joined ANSR in 2020 and has more than 16 years of accounting experience, including six in the nonprofit world. Jason helps manage the overall ANSR budget and helps each program budget spend appropriately. He is passionate about technology and enjoys teaching and discussing tech of almost any kind. Personally, he enjoys going for long walk-and-talks with his wife and throwing not-so-perfect spirals to his twin boys. Email Jason Molly Schmidtke Community Outreach Coordinator Molly Schmidtke is a Community Outreach Coordinator. In this role, Molly is responsible for conducting outreach and education events, supporting youth policy and advocacy efforts, and supporting all other ANSR tobacco prevention efforts. Some of her accomplishments include: multiple flavored commercial tobacco restrictions in MN communities, working with youth to create, disseminate and evaluate vaping prevalence surveys with youth partners, as well as creating and disseminating a toolkit focused on the environmental impacts of commercial tobacco products. She has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in Public Health – Community Health Education and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health degree at the University of Minnesota. She is passionate about many public health topics, such as health equity, policy and advocacy. Outside of work, Molly loves to be out on the Mississippi River, cooking, and watching the Minnesota Wild. Email Molly David Olson TITLE Description Email Jack Madeline Bremel Events Manager Madeline is the Events Manager for the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center, and is responsible for planning and coordinating MPRC events, including the annual MN Prevention Program Sharing Conference, and supporting MPRC’s technical assistance and communications needs. Madeline has worked in Public Health in Minnesota, Oregon, and New Mexico, and has found a niche doing planning, organization, and communication-related work at the systems level. Madeline has an MPH from Oregon State University in Health Promotion and Health Behavior. Outside of work you might find Madeline cross-country skiing, crafting, or studying her dog, Pearl’s, personality. Email Madeline Kayla Baker Regional Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Prevention Coordinator MN Metro - Region 7 Kayla is the Metro Regional Prevention Coordinator, which she works with coalitions and communities to promote substance misuse prevention. Kayla has her Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from North Dakota State University, and her Master’s degree in Wellness and Health Promotion Management from Nebraska Methodist College. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Prior to becoming a Regional Prevention Coordinator, Kayla spent time working in various health related roles including chemical and mental health, Responsible Beverage Server Training (RBST), alcohol compliance checks, diabetes prevention, and most recently, COVID-19. During her free time Kayla enjoys hiking, baking, and crocheting. Email Kayla Curtis Neff Campaign Organizer Curtis is the Campaign Organizer working to end the sale of flavor tobacco products in Minnesota. Much of his work is focused on recruiting community partners to educate and advocate for this change. Curtis comes to ANSR from a long career in organized labor and activism. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with a BS in Political Science. Outside of work he collects vinyl from many genres and enjoys a quiet life in St. Paul. Email Curtis Morgan Hamernik Administrative & Communications Specialist Morgan Hamernik is an Administrative and Communications Specialist. She joined the ANSR team in 2023 and is responsible for managing the organization’s social media accounts, writing newsletters, and supporting the staff’s education and advocacy efforts. She recently graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a BA in English and a minor in public health. Morgan is passionate about digital accessibility, inclusive health communication, and public libraries. Outside of work, you will likely find Morgan cheering on the Packers or playing with her dog, Happy. Email Morgan

  • Tobacco 101: Lesson Eight | ANSRMN.ORG

    Lesson Eight: Price Discounting Lesson Eight (PDF) Lesson Files Don't Discount My Life Factsheet Videos Don't Discount My Life Video

  • Equity Statement | ANSRMN.ORG

    EQUITY STATEMENT Our Values The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR) is a values-driven organization. We regularly review, discuss, and document the values that drive our work. Read Our Values (PDF) Why Does ANSR Have an Equity Statement? Equity, specifically health equity, is both an ANSR value and central to ANSR’s mission . For 50 years ANSR has been dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota. These costs disproportionately fall on already marginalized (e.g. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, low-income) communities and are embedded throughout our society in public laws, institutional policies and practices, societal norms and workplace culture. We at ANSR acknowledge that structural injustices (i.e., inequities) exist in our society that unjustly advantage some and disadvantage others. We acknowledge that racism, white supremacy, and prejudice are at the root of these inequities and that countering these injustices takes deliberate and ongoing actions. The work we do in policy advocacy, research, substance misuse prevention, and community engagement is both shaped and impacted by equity. To accomplish our mission, we must acknowledge and address inequities in our community, in our workplace, and in society. Equity is important to our organization and community partners. We work in, with, and for communities. Our partners’ daily lives are impacted by inequities. By talking about and addressing these inequities, we hope to develop more trusting and authentic relationships with our partners and allies. As an organization we are committed to learning and action. This statement is a living document for ANSR to revisit, process, and grow equity in our work. How Are We Learning About Equity? ANSR continuously seeks to learn about the following topics surrounding equity and inclusion: Fostering anti-bias workplace culture including in hiring, supervision, and programming. Initiating important conversations about identity, bias, prejudice, and stereotypes. Taking action against bias-based mistreatment. Developing policy initiatives and program materials with an equity-first approach. ANSR also engages with these topics through training, suggested readings, and continuing education opportunities. ANSR recognizes that this is not a comprehensive list, and we welcome new suggested topic areas for learning and professional and personal growth. Our Goals to Center Equity in Our Workplace and Work: Maintain a “Spectrum Committee” to support, empower, and foster an inclusive environment for all staff, Board of Directors, partners, and visitors. Regularly conduct an organization-wide analysis of systemic racism, power, and discrimination in all forms. Articulate our analysis to members and partners. Prioritize equity when developing and implementing programs and policy. Hold equity- and antiracism-focused trainings. Diversify organizational leadership and internal decision makers. Create mechanisms for input, accountability, and ongoing feedback from staff, community partners, and the public. When You See We Can Do Better, Tell Us. ANSR’s goal is to center equity and our values in all of our work. We know that this requires thoughtful commitment. We are still learning. We’ve fallen short in the past and are working to do better in the future. When you see we can do better, tell us. Land Acknowledgement Statement Against Racism Statement Against Antisemitism Statement Against Islamophobia Statement Against 2SLGBTQ+ Discrimination Statement archive (PDF). *Thank you to The Improve Group and The Loft for inspiring this equity statement. *Statement finalized April 2024

  • 2023 Annual Report - ANSR | ANSRMN.ORG

    OUR MISSION ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota. Our core commitments are: to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of addiction; to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and to reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. In 1975, ANSR helped pass the nation’s first comprehensive state clean indoor air legislation. Since then, ANSR has continued to play a leading role in shaping tobacco policy and has been involved in every major state-wide policy, such as the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007 and raising the tobacco tax in 2013. ANSR helped Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, including menthol, and also helped Edina become the first Minneapolis city to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Financial Documents 2023 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2023 Federal Form 990 Annual Reports 2023 Annual Report 2022 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2022 Federal Form 990 2022 Annual Report 2021 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2021 Federal Form 990 2021 Annual Report 2020 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2020 Federal Form 990 2020 Annual Report 2019 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2019 Federal Form 990 2019 Annual Report 2018 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2018 Federal Form 990 2018 Annual Report 2017 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2017 Federal Form 990 2017 Annual Report

  • 2020 990 - ANSR | ANSRMN.ORG

    OUR MISSION ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota. Our core commitments are: to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of addiction; to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and to reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. In 1975, ANSR helped pass the nation’s first comprehensive state clean indoor air legislation. Since then, ANSR has continued to play a leading role in shaping tobacco policy and has been involved in every major state-wide policy, such as the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007 and raising the tobacco tax in 2013. ANSR helped Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, including menthol, and also helped Edina become the first Minneapolis city to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Financial Documents 2023 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2023 Federal Form 990 Annual Reports 2023 Annual Report 2022 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2022 Federal Form 990 2022 Annual Report 2021 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2021 Federal Form 990 2021 Annual Report 2020 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2020 Federal Form 990 2020 Annual Report 2019 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2019 Federal Form 990 2019 Annual Report 2018 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2018 Federal Form 990 2018 Annual Report 2017 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2017 Federal Form 990 2017 Annual Report

  • Tobacco-Free Spaces | ANSRMN.ORG

    TOBACCO-FREE SPACES Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation (TFYR) Tobacco-Free Campuses Smoke-Free Lodging Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation (TFYR) assists communities in their efforts to create a commercial tobacco-free environment and promote commercial tobacco-free lifestyles. The program helps youth and adult community members partner with policy makers to implement recreation-based commercial tobacco prevention strategies. TFYR's Focus A primary focus of TFYR’s work is to assist Minnesota communities in adopting commercial tobacco-free policies for their parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and other outdoor recreational facilities. More than 150 Minnesota communities have created commercial tobacco-free recreation areas for their residents and visitors. To view a directory of Minnesota’s tobacco-free parks, zoos, fairgrounds and other recreation areas, visit the TFYR policy directory. TFYR Policy Directory Tobacco-Free Parks Policy Resources TFYR has policy implementation and promotion materials for community groups and policy makers. These materials are intended to assist efforts to create and promote commercial tobacco-free environments in your community. Policy Publicity Packet Has your community recently adopted a commercial tobacco-free policy for its park and recreational facilities? Use TFYR’s Policy Publicity Packet for ideas on how to communicate the new policy to community members. A well-publicized policy helps reduce policy violations. Download the PDF Playing Tobacco Free Factsheet This factsheet provides information on why communities should have commercial tobacco-free policies for outdoor recreational facilities. Download the PDF A Policy Maker’s Guide to Tobacco-Free Policies for Parks, Playgrounds and Athletic Facilities This guide is intended to provide local policy makers information on how this type of policy can benefit their community. Download the PDF Model Tobacco-Free Parks Policy TTFYR created this model policy language with assistance from the Public Health Law Center. It has been adopted and implemented by communities throughout Minnesota. Download the PDF Playing Tobacco-Free: A Youth Guide for Policy Advocacy A step-by-step approach to commercial tobacco-free park policies for youth advocates. TFYR uses this guide to train youth groups on park policy advocacy. Contact us to schedule a training session. Learn More Commercial Tobacco-Free Policies for Other Outdoor Spaces in Minnesota Although TFYR has traditionally focused on commercial tobacco-free policies for recreational areas, the program also assists communities with tobacco-free policies for other outdoor spaces such as: School grounds Fair grounds Public grounds (such as city- or county-owned property) Employer grounds Healthcare facility grounds A number of resources exist for communities interested in implementing commercial tobacco-free policies for their outdoor spaces. Contact Emily Anderson, emily@ansrmn.org , for these resources or more information. Tobacco-Free Campuses Commercial tobacco use and exposure remain a problem on college campuses. Commercial tobacco-free college campus policies are proven solutions that provide a healthier learning, living and working environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Through our Tobacco-Free Campus program, ANSR promotes the adoption of commercial tobacco-free policies at colleges and universities in Ramsey County. For more information contact Emily Anderson, Tobacco-Free Campus Program Director, at emily@ansrmn.org or 651-646-3005. A Growing Trend According to Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, as of October 2023, there are at least 2,613 100% smoke-free campuses in the US. Of these, 2,193 are 100% commercial tobacco-free and 2,284 prohibit the use of e-cigarettes anywhere on campus. For a full listing of smoke- and commercial tobacco-free campuses across the country, click here . Step 1: Getting Started Building the case for a commercial tobacco-free campus A commercial tobacco-free policy prohibits smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products on all school properties and in all school-owned or leased vehicles. A comprehensive tobacco use policy also prohibits the sale of tobacco products on campus, tobacco advertisements in school publications and tobacco company sponsorship of school programs and events. Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Increase Quit Attempts Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Decrease Tobacco Use and Initiation Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Reduce Exposure to Tobacco Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Decrease Tobacco Litter Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Eliminate Ties to the Tobacco Industry Tobacco-Free Campus Policies Prepare Students for a Tobacco-Free Workplace Step 2: Moving Forward Steps for adopting a commercial tobacco-free policy Many post-secondary institutions have successfully implemented commercial tobacco-free campus policies. While each campus is unique, these basic steps can lead towards policy success. Here are the most common guiding principles: Focus on the tobacco use, not the tobacco user. Focus on health and safety regarding secondhand smoke, not individual rights. Obtain campus leadership support and make this support visible to all members of the campus community. Convene a monthly committee comprised of a diverse group of campus stakeholders. Complete a commercial tobacco-free campus opinion survey of students, faculty and staff. Complete an environmental assessment to determine smoking “hot spots” and the amount of tobacco litter on campus. Develop a draft policy statement and share with institution stakeholders. Allow ample time between the announcement of the new policy to the effective date for a thorough and supportive communication plan, including posting new policy signage. Provide training for supervisors on policy communication and enforcement. Offer tobacco cessation re sources to all students, faculty and staff before and after the policy change. Enforce the commercial tobacco-free campus policy just like the previous n o-smoking policy: through education. Celebrate! The policy is a positive step towards a healthier, cleaner campus! Many campuses have successfully carried out a policy development process. The University of Minnesota’s smoke- and tobacco-free policy development began in 2008, and the policy was formally adopted in 2014. Learn more about the process here . Step 3: Achieving Success Implementing and promoting a commercial tobacco-free campus policy While adopting a commercial tobacco-free campus policy is an important step towards a healthier, cleaner campus, proper implementation and enforcement of your policy plus tobacco cessation services are key to policy success. Communication Enforcement Cessation Smoke-Free Lodging The Smoke-Free Lodging program promotes 100% smoke-free policies for lodging establishments. In order to increase the number of lodging establishments with smoke-free policies, Smoke-Free Lodging educates tourism industry professionals, lodging managers, owners and key staff about the benefits of 100% smoke-free buildings. Smoke-Free Lodging also assists lodging establishment owners and managers with creating and promoting smoke-free policies for their properties.

  • Research | ANSRMN.ORG

    RESEARCH ANSR has participated in many research studies with partners, including the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Selected publications are listed below. 1. Brock, B., Choi, K., Boyle, R.G., Moilanen, M., & Schillo, B.A. (2016). Tobacco product prices before and after a statewide tobacco tax increase. Tobacco Control, Published online first. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-052018. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25052861 2. Amato, M., Boyle, R.G., Brock B. 1, (2015). Higher price, fewer packs: evaluating a tobacco tax increase with cigarette sales data. American Journal of Public Health, Published online first. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302438. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25602874/ 3. Brock, B., Schillo, B.A., & Moilanen, M. (2014). Tobacco industry marketing: and analysis of direct mail coupons and giveaways. Tobacco Control, Published online first. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2014-051602 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25052861 4. Choi, K., Fabian, L., Brock, B., Engman, K., Jansen, J., & Forster, J. (2014). Availability of snus and its sale to minors in a large Minnesota city. Tobacco Control, 23(5), 449-451. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2012-050719 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23303287 5. Widome, R., Brock, B., Noble, P., & Forster, J.L. (2013). The relationship of neighborhood characteristics to point-of-sale tobacco advertising and marketing. Ethnicity and Health, 18(2), 136-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22789035 6. Hewett, M., Ortland, W., Brock, B., & Helm, C. (2012). Secondhand smoke and smokefree policies in owner-occupied multi-unit housing. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(5S3), S187-S196. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23079216 7. Widome, R., Brock, B., Noble, P., & Forster, J.L. (2012). The relationship of point-of sale advertising and neighborhood characteristics to underage sales of tobacco. Evaluation & the Health Professions, 35(3), 331-345. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22615496 8. Widome, R., Brock, B., Klein, E.G., & Forster, J.L. (2012). Smokeless tobacco advertising at the point of sale: prevalence, placement, and demographic correlates. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 14(2), 217-223. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22080586 9. Widome, R., Joseph, A.M., Brock, B., Chlebeck, B., Polusny, M., Gulden, A., & Fu, S.S. (2011). Talking to Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans about tobacco use. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 13(7), 623-626. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21436295 10. Hewett, M.J., Sandell, S.D., Anderson, J., & Niebuhr, M. (2007). Secondhand smoke in apartment buildings: renter and owner or manager perspectives. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Suppl 1, S39-47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17365725 11. Klein, E.G., Forster, J.L., McFadden, B., & Outley, C.W. (2007). Minnesota tobacco-free park policies: Attitudes of the general public and park officials. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Suppl 9, S49-55. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17365726 12. Weigum, J. (2005) Case study 8.3 titled “In Minnesota: Multiple strategies, multiple defeats-ultimate victory” in National Cancer Institute, ASSIST: Shaping the Future of Tobacco Prevention and Control. Tobacco Control Monograph No. 16. Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. NIH Pub. No. 05-5645, May 2005. 13. Hennrikus, D., Pentel, P.R., & Sandell, S.D. (2003). Preferences and practices among renters regarding smoking restrictions in apartment buildings. Tobacco Control, 12(2), 189-94.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12773730 14. Weigum, J. & Ravnitzky, M. (1999) Filtered or unfiltered information: Choices in how to make the Minnesota tobacco document depository records more accessible to the public. William Mitchell Law Review, 25(2), Article 11. http://open.wmitchell.edu/wmlr/vol25/iss2/1 Download a list of ANSR Board Member publications

  • Minnesota History | ANSRMN.ORG

    MINNESOTA HISTORY OF COMMERCIAL TOBACCO PREVENTION

  • Tobacco 21 | ANSRMN.ORG

    TOBACCO 21 The tobacco industry heavily targets teens and young adults to recruit new customers and guarantee profits. About 95 percent of current adults who smoke started before they were 18.¹ A 2015 report from the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) found that increasing the legal age to buy commercial tobacco to 21 would decrease smoking initiation among 15-17 year olds by 25 percent.² A Minnesota-specific study looked at the impact of raising the tobacco age and found that 25% fewer 15 year olds would start smoking by the time they turn 18. This translates into 30,000 young people never starting smoking or using commercial tobacco over 15 years.³ If youth don’t smoke by the time they are 21, they likely never will. Tobacco 21 Fact Sheet Tobacco 21 Fact Sheet Citations Why Tobacco 21 Matters Nicotine is addictive and particularly harmful to the developing adolescent brain. Evidence suggests that nicotine interferes with brain maturation and can have a long term effect on cognitive development and mental health.⁴ The long-term effects of nicotine on the adolescent brain is a significant public health concern.⁵,⁶ Any step to prevent youth from becoming addicted to tobacco products is a step in the right direction, especially in the face of the youth nicotine epidemic. Federal, State, and Local Efforts As of December 2019, 19 states (Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington) had raised the tobacco age to 21, along with Washington, D.C. and more than 540 localities. On December 20, 2019, former President Trump signed Tobacco 21 into federal law. Raising the national tobacco sales age to 21 is a victory for youth and health, but state and local action is still needed to maximize health benefits. ANSR continues to work with state and local partners to implement this policy and pursue a comprehensive approach to commercial tobacco prevention and cessation here in Minnesota. By May 2020, 75 Minnesota cities and counties had raised the commercial tobacco sales age to 21. This set the stage for the Minnesota State Legislature to pass a Tobacco 21 law in May that ensured all youth in the state are protected. ANSR provided signage to vendors across the state. If you need more signage, please contact us at info@ansrmn.org . Resources for Law Enforcement and Schools Law Enforcement T21 Fast Facts Law Enforcement T21 Resource Support Over Suspension Fact Sheet School Policy Assessment Tools for Schools Toolkit Alternatives to Penalties for Youth Penalties on underage possession, use, and purchase of commercial tobacco have not been proven to reduce commercial tobacco use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends education, counseling, and support to reduce youth use. Research shows that punitive measures against young people can results in unintentional consequences and increase the likelihood of youth initiation. The community programs for youth listed below are available as alternatives to punitive measures. My Life My Quit Youth ages 13-18 can access free tobacco treatment services through My Life, My Quit (MLMQ) supported by the MN Department of Health. Features include: Free continuing education for school staff on commercial tobacco treatment for youth at CoursesThatClickMN.com ; resources to implement MLMQ as an alternative to suspension; and Posters and other promotional materials. My Life My Quit Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Toolkit The Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Toolkit is a free theory-based and evidence-informed curriculums and resources created by educators, parents, youth and researchers aimed at preventing middle and high school students’ use of tobacco and nicotine. The Toolkit Includes: You and Me, Together Vape-Free Curriculum ; Healthy Futures Curriculum: Alternative-to-Suspension Curriculum ; Smokeless Tobacco 101; Hookah 101; and Factsheets and posters. Stanford Toolkit This Is Quitting This is Quitting is a free and anonymous text messaging program from Truth Initiative designed to help young people quit vaping. Features include: Tailored programming based on age (within 13-24 years old) and product usage to give teens and young adults appropriate recommendations about quitting; and Free promotional materials to promote This is Quitting within schools and local communities. This Is Quitting INDEPTH | American Lung Association INDEPTH is a FREE interactive program that teaches students about nicotine dependence, establishing healthy alternatives and how to kick the unhealthy addiction that got them in trouble in the first place. How it works: Schools connect with the American Lung Association; Facilitators complete an online INDEPTH training ; and Facilitators prepare and implement the INDEPTH program . INDEPTH Escape the Vape Video Challenge Escape the Vape Video Challenge is a PSA video contest where Minnesota middle and high schools can use their voice to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and expose the shadowy tactics of the tobacco industry. Students create and upload their 30-second, vape-bashing PSA video, and have the chance to win $500 for themselves and $500 for their school or organization, along with other great prizes. #mnjointheescape Escape the Vape Vape, Educate Vape, Educate is an online course originally designed to be completed by middle and high school students. It can be purchased and used as an educational program for teachers, parents, and other community members. The program is intended to be used as a tool that provides supplemental material to educate students about vaping. Vape, Educate Essentia Health As part of the Don’t Blow It: Anti-vaping Campaign , Essentia Health developed a toolkit that can be used by teachers and community groups to educate students and the general public about the dangers of vaping. Don't Blow It: Anti-Vaping Citations U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National 2 Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health. 2012. National Academy of Medicine. Public Health Implications of Raising the Minimum Age of Legal Access to Tobacco Products. National Academy Press. 2015. Boyle, R., Kingsbury, J. & Parks, M. Raising the Minimum Legal Sales Age for Tobacco to 21. Minnesota Medicine. 2017. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health. 2014. Goriounova, N., Mansvelder, H. Nicotine exposure during adolescence alters the rules for prefrontal cortical synaptic plasticity during adulthood. Frontiers in synaptic neuroscience. 2012. Nelson, D. et al. Long-term trends in adolescent and young adult smoking in the United States: metapatterns and implications. Am J Public Health. 2008.

  • Menthol Coalition | ANSRMN.ORG

    MENTHOL COALITION ANSR and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center have been working together for many years. The two organizations partnered in 2015 to create the Minneapolis Menthol Coalition with the shared goal of repealing the exemption for “menthol” in Minneapolis’ flavored tobacco restrictions. ANSR and NorthPoint recruited and empowered new social justice leaders, youth public health advocates and faith leaders from Black congregations. These leaders engaged community members to learn about and take action to counteract the predatory marketing practices of the tobacco industry. When Reynolds American Tobacco Company hired a nationally known pastor to argue the initiative was hostile to African Americans, the opposition failed because community leaders were already knowledgeable and engaged and were not dissuaded. In 2017, the Minneapolis City Council removed the menthol exception, making Minneapolis one of the first and largest cities in the country with a comprehensive policy. Since then, the coalition has expanded to include a diverse group of leaders from more than 40 community and health organizations, educational institutions, and religious groups. Learn More About the Minnesota Menthol Coalition About Menthol Tobacco Removing menthol and flavored commercial tobacco from the marketplace will address health disparities caused by Big Tobacco’s lethal tactics. Racism is a public health crisis. Clearing the market of menthol and all flavored products will directly improve the health of Black communities and other groups targeted by Big Tobacco. Communities across Minnesota are working to protect youth and other targeted groups by enacting flavored tobacco restrictions. Minneapolis and Saint Paul led the way in Minnesota in passing policies that restrict the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. Now, there are 16 Minnesota communities that have restricted or ended the sale of flavored tobacco, including menthol. Communities across Minnesota are working to protect youth and other targeted groups by ending the sale of flavored and menthol tobacco. Our Partner: NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center is a community-based, nonprofit primary care setting that provides and coordinates high quality, patient- and family-centered health care promotion and chronic condition management for North Minneapolis residents. NorthPoint strives to improve the physical and socioeconomic health of the North Minneapolis community through an integrated model of health and human services. NorthPoint’s vision is to set a standard of excellence in providing culturally responsive, integrated, holistic primary health and social services that strengthen the North Minneapolis community. NorthPoint has over 20 community health workers who provide culturally specific education and resources to the community. These services include assisting NorthPoint guests with navigating MNSure, SNAP, maternal and child health care and emergency housing assistance. Community health workers serve as the link to coverage and care, provide trauma-informed care and are uniquely positioned to improve health outcomes and health equity within the community. NorthPoint’s more than 50-year history and legacy represents a commitment that has weathered social and economic changes and challenges. Its roots are closely linked to the civil rights movement of the 1960s, a period that saw blatant racial disturbances and inequalities in urban communities across the country, including Minneapolis. Sena Geleto is Community Outreach Coordinator – Health Policy & Advocacy at NorthPoint. She works on local and statewide commercial tobacco policy. She has testified before city councils in support of ending the sale of flavored commercial tobacco and has done extensive community organizing around tobacco price discounting and hookah in Minneapolis. Sena is also a biology major at the University of Minnesota. In 2024, she completed a series of community interviews and compiled them in a booklet called “The People vs. Big Tobacco.” The interviews capture the collective experiences of folks working to combat the devastating effects of commercial tobacco use. Download the PDF by clicking the button below. The People vs. Big Tobacco (PDF)

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2395 University Ave. W, Suite 310

Saint Paul, MN 55114


Office: 651-646-3005 

Fax: 651-646-0142

Email: info@ansrmn.org

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In 1975, ANSR helped pass the nation’s first comprehensive state clean indoor air legislation. Since then, ANSR has continued to play a leading role in shaping tobacco policy and has been involved in every major state-wide policy, such as the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007 and raising the tobacco tax in 2013. ANSR helped Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, including menthol, and also helped Edina become the first Minneapolis city to raise the tobacco sales age to 21.

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