Since 1974, the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center , housed at ANSR, has hosted the annual Minnesota Prevention Program Sharing Conference to connect and engage prevention professionals around the state. The gathering is an opportunity for individuals from health departments, schools, nonprofit organizations and other groups involved in prevention work in Minnesota to come together, share ideas and learn from each other. This year, the conference took place at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake in Brainerd. The theme, “Support Connections. Build Prevention. Engage Communities,” focused on collaboration, expanding networks and supporting health and wellbeing through primary prevention. In total, 258 people registered for the conference and 22 organizations set up exhibition booths. Rebecca Slaby, executive director of Amazeworks, kicked off the first day with her keynote session, “Creating Communities of Belonging as a Key Prevention Strategy.” On day two, a panel of experts discussed the changing landscape of cannabis legislation and prevention in Minnesota. Fifty other speakers presented about their own prevention work and expertise in 26 breakout sessions across the two days. This includes three ANSR staff: Molly Schmidtke presented on the environmental impacts of tobacco product waste (left), Katie Engman presented on Benton County’s recent commercial tobacco ordinance and Elyse Levine Less presented on peer-to-peer vaping prevention strategies. All sessions were recorded to increase statewide access and will be available for registrants soon. A big thank you to everyone who made this year’s conference such a huge success. The 50th annual Minnesota Prevention Program Sharing Conference will be held on October 15-16, 2024 in St. Cloud. We hope to see you there! Contact madeline@ansrmn.org with any questions about the conference.

Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s annual giving holiday, is on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Making a donation to ANSR on Give to the Max Day is a powerful way to stand up for the health of Minnesotans. Your contribution keeps ANSR steadfast in our commitment to reducing the harms of commercial tobacco and other drugs. Together, we can work to help enact local and statewide commercial tobacco prevention policies, educate our communities about the negative effects of smoking and other drug use and protect those in multiunit housing from secondhand smoke. We couldn’t do this work without generous contributions from supporters and public health champions like you. Please consider donating today! Donations can be made online using the button below or by sending a check to the ANSR office: 2395 University Ave W Suite 310, Saint Paul, MN 55114. From all of us at ANSR, thank you for helping us make Minnesota a healthier place to live, work and play!

The Minneapolis City Council passed a comprehensive amendment to the city’s tobacco ordinance on April 25, 2024. The amendment: prohibits price promotions and the redemption of coupons for all commercial tobacco and vaping products; sets a $15 minimum price on cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products, making it one of the highest in the nation; increases penalties for retailers who violate the ordinance; and ends the sampling loophole for new tobacco products shops. One-third of adult smokers use tobacco coupons or discounts. Higher commercial tobacco prices lead to reduced adult smoking rates, less youth initiation, and more quit attempts and calls to quitlines.  Minneapolis continues to be a leader in adopting strong commercial tobacco prevention policies. These changes will protect Minneapolis youth and residents of color from tobacco industry targeting, reduce the appeal of commercial tobacco products, and support those who are trying to quit using commercial tobacco. ANSR applauds the Council for voting unanimously in support of this ordinance and putting their residents’ health first. Read more about the ordinance on the City of Minneapolis website , including quotes from ordinance author Council Member Latrisha Vetaw and Mayor Jacob Frey. Thank you to everyone who emailed, called, testified, sent a letter of support, attended a council meeting, and/or spread the word about this ordinance. Your voice matters in creating important public health policy change!

Yesterday, the Saint Paul City Council named December 13, 2023 ‘Jeanne Weigum Day.’ ANSR staff, board members, community partners and friends filled the Council Chambers to celebrate Jeanne’s decades-long dedication to Saint Paul’s public health, neighborhoods and community. The resolution highlights many of Jeanne’s commercial tobacco prevention policy achievements in Saint Paul over the past five decades, including banning smoking at bars and restaurants, restricting menthol-flavored products and, most recently, prohibiting smoking in city parks.  Jeanne’s reach in the local community extends far beyond the commercial tobacco prevention sphere. The resolution honors her work as former president of the Friends of the Parks and Trails of Saint Paul and Ramsey County, as founder of the pet rescue and adoption nonprofit Pooches United With People (PUP), as a staunch opponent of billboards with the grassroots movement Scenic Saint Paul and as a community gardener in Saint Paul and her hometown of Mobridge, South Dakota. After Council President Brendmoen read the resolution, Jeanne shared about the many “roots” that keep her in Saint Paul. She also reflected on just how much the city has advanced over the past 50 years thanks to community organizers and councils past and present.  In true Jeanne fashion, her speech was both a statement of gratitude and a call to action for the Council. “The majority of the Council is leaving, but I’m not,” she said, meaning her advocacy work is far from over. Jeanne urged the Council to consider the negative ramifications of disposable e-cigarettes and a proposed digital billboard at I-94 and 280. She also reminded them about Nicotine-Free Generation policy, outfit change and all. Several councilmembers shared kind words about Jeanne after her remarks. Councilmember Noecker called Jeanne a “visionary,” saying “I think that so many advocates and organizers can learn so much from your example.” “There’s so much that you’ve done in this community, and I just want to say I am truly grateful for you as a citizen, as an advocate and as a friend,” said Councilmember Tolbert. “I look forward to the thing that you’re up to next.” Right after Jeanne’s recognition, the Council voted unanimously to remove tobacco vending machine licenses, reduce the number of Tobacco Shop licenses from 150 to 100 and reduce the number of Tobacco Product Shop licenses from 25 to 15. These actions will help reduce the availability of commercial tobacco and nicotine products within the city. Supporters gathered outside of the Chambers for photos, desserts and refreshments after the meeting. Thank you to all who came to celebrate Jeanne on this special day. Watch the council meeting here (begins at 5:30) and read the full resolution here .

During the last week of June 2022, twelve ANSR staff, interns, and partners traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana to share and learn at the National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH). NCTOH is the premier gathering of the United States tobacco control movement and this year’s conference had no shortage of ANSR’s leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the spotlight. You can view links to our presentations and posters below:  Katie Engman presented during a breakout session on how ANSR and partners passed a price discounting ordinance in St. Paul amidst the pandemic. View the presentation slides here: Community Organizing During a Pandemic: Passing innovative price discounting policies in St. Paul, MN ANSR interns/advocates Meghan McFarling, Anna Grace Hottinger, and Upendo Gimbi presented on authentic engagement of young people in tobacco work.View the presentation slides here: Not About Us Without Us: Engaging Youth and Young Adults in Tobacco Prevention and Advocacy Emily Anderson and our partner Bethlehem Yewhalawork from Northpoint presented the work of the Minnesota Menthol Coalition. View the presentation slides here: Keep the mission, shift the focus:How the Minnesota Menthol Coalition adapted Jackie Siewert presented a poster on equitable enforcement of smoke-free housing policies. View the poster here: Equitable & Effective Enforcement of Smoke-Free Housing Policies Katie Engman presented a poster on the implementation of Tobacco 21 in Minnesota. View the poster here: Implementing Minnesota’s Tobacco 21 Law During the COVID Pandemic Molly Schmidtke, Anna Grace Hottinger, and Upendo Gimbi presented a poster on data collection and youth engagement. View the poster here: The Best Messengers: Data Collection & Youth Engagement During COVID-19 Chris Smith joined partners from Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation to present a poster on the coalition’s racial and health equity work. View the poster here: Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Lessons Learned from Racial and Health Equity Public Policy Assessment Kara Skahen and Rachel Callanan from the Public Health Law Center presented a poster on the development of an equitable model smoke-free housing ordinance. View the poster here: Achieving Equity in Smoke-Free Housing: How a Social Justice Approach Shaped a Model Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance Jackie Siewert and Evalyn Carbrey from the Minneapolis Health Department presented a poster on access to affordable smoke-free housing in Minneapolis. View the poster here: Understanding Access to Affordable Smoke-Free Housing: Lessons Learned from the City of Minneapolis

SAINT PAUL (11/4/21) – On Wednesday, November 3, the Saint Paul City Council voted unanimously to prohibit the use of coupons and price promotions for commercial tobacco and vaping products. The measure is part of a comprehensive commercial tobacco ordinance that also sets a $10 minimum price for cigarette packs and standard-size cans of smokeless tobacco and increases penalties for retailers who sell commercial tobacco to people under age 21.  Saint Paul has historically been a leader on tobacco control policy. They were one of the first cities to enact a smoke-free air ordinance, well ahead of the statewide law passed in 2007. Saint Paul was also among the first cities to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes in 2017. Since then, more than 20 Minnesota communities have followed suit. Saint Paul continues its leadership on tobacco control policy with this ordinance. According to the Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota, the inclusion of vaping products in the ordinance’s price-discounting prohibition makes it the first-of-its-kind in the United States.  Council President, Amy Brendmoen, stated in a virtual public hearing on October 26 that commercial tobacco adds no value to the community and retailers need to find more creative ways to attract customers.   “I’ve said this a few times — give me a good samosa. Give me some pizza. Give me some bubble tea. I’ll get in there,” Brendmoen said. Brendmoen and the other six Council Members all voted in support of the ordinance.  “It would be even more powerful to see other cities adopt this as well. So I encourage those elected officials to do this for their communities, too,” said Councilmember Nelsie Yang before the final vote. During the virtual public hearing for the ordinance, the Saint Paul City Council heard from a broad and diverse group of supporters representing community organizations, healthcare groups, businesses, religious groups, and Saint Paul residents. One such supporter was Jonathan Rose, Saint Paul resident and Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Aid Initiative.  “Keeping the prices of all tobacco products high and regulating price promotions are progressive steps toward protecting our families and community from starting and helping with quitting,” said Rose.  Tobacco companies have long targeted youth, African Americans, Indigenous people, LGBTQ people and other people of color with cheap tobacco. The ordinance will help reduce tobacco-related health disparities in those communities.  “Cheap tobacco does not benefit my community’s health. Putting this in place will have a positive impact on the mental health of my friends and family,” said Zhara Christopher, a young St. Paul resident, during the virtual public hearing. The ordinance goes into effect on December 11, 2021.

City is 23rd Minnesota community to restrict sales of products  Columbia Heights, Minn. (10/12/2021) – The Columbia Heights City Council took a major step on Monday night to protect the health of youth and all residents from the harms of tobacco.   The City Council voted 4-0 to restrict the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol, to adult-only tobacco stores. Menthol-, candy- and fruit-flavored tobacco products are attractive to youth, and the tobacco industry uses these flavors to hook a new generation of users, resulting in addiction, disease and death. Eighty percent of youth tobacco users use flavored tobacco.  Additionally, the council voted to remove purchase, use, and possession penalties for those under the age of 21. These penalties–known as PUP penalties–divert focus from addressing irresponsible retailers and the tobacco industry which has a long history of targeting youth. The council had previously voted to update its tobacco ordinance to meet state requirements that raise the tobacco sales age to 21.   Speaking in support of the ordinance, Councilmember Kt Jacobs outlined her rationale for wanting to approve the changes. “Vaping erased 15 years of progress lowering the use of tobacco by our youth. The numbers are just astounding.” Jacobs went on to say, “I’ve listened to companies that have come forward locally. I’ve listened to the residents. Policies such as the ones before us this evening are proven to reduce the use by both youth and African American adults, two of the most targeted tobacco industry market groups. I cannot in good conscience ignore these numbers as I cast my vote this evening.” Student data survey results released in 2020 showed an alarming jump in the rate of teens vaping in Minnesota.  Flavored vapes are the choice of youth. Overall youth tobacco use had already taken an upward swing in 2017 for the first time in 17 years because of e-cigarette and flavored cigar use.   “On Monday night, Columbia Heights joined a growing group of Minnesota cities to recognize the importance of implementing strong restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco to protect youth and help alleviate health disparities,” said Emily Anderson, Director of Policy at the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota. “The tobacco industry has long used sweet, candy and mint flavors to hook smokers. Minnesota communities understand that they can have a positive impact on their cities by acting now. We hope that state leaders will take notice and take statewide action soon.” In Minnesota, African American (88 percent), LGBTQ youth (70 percent) and all youth (34 percent) smokers use menthol at a higher rate than the general population.  Columbia Heights is the 23rd Minnesota community to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco and the 18th to also restrict the sale of menthol. Ten of those cities completely ban flavors.  The ordinance takes effect in 30 days.

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One of the first cities in the Twin Cities to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products, Shoreview strengthened that policy on May 17. The City Council voted unanimously to add menthol to its restriction on selling flavored tobacco products. Shoreview restricted the sale of flavored tobacco except menthol to 21-over tobacco shops in 2016. Menthol is the most popular and addictive flavor. The tobacco industry uses these flavors to hook a new generation of users, resulting in addiction, disease and death. Eighty percent of youth tobacco users use flavored tobacco. Additionally, the industry has targeted Black communities with menthol for decades, creating immense health disparities. Shoreview council member Sue Denkinger said businesses would need to pivot. “This movement has been growing,” Denkinger said. “The data in support of this policy and the support from students … is overwhelming.” Council member Cory Springhorn addressed industry comments that the ordinance would lead to businesses closing. “I drive through Saint Paul and see businesses that have survived this, so they found a way,” Springhorn said. “I think it’s time for businesses to move on and find a different business model.” Added council member Emy Johnson, “We started this work in 2016, so this is not a new topic. It’s a continued commitment to the quality of life of residents.” In Minnesota, African American (88 percent), LGBTQ youth (70 percent) and all youth (34 percent) smokers use menthol at a higher rate than the general population. “It’s easy now to see how Big Tobacco worked to get Black people hooked through decades of relentless targeting,” Shoreview Human Rights Commissioner Gene Nichols said. “Back in the day, the tobacco industry handed out Newports from vans parked in Black neighborhoods and Social Service offices, sponsored events like KOOL Jazz Fest, and blanketed magazines like JET and Ebony with menthol tobacco ads. “Lowering smoking rates and eliminating health disparities would create improved health outcomes, reduce inequities and lower health care costs, which would benefit all Minnesotans.” Anna Grace Hottinger, a high school senior and Shoreview resident, urged the council to include menthol in its policy during testimony Monday night. “Shoreview has an opportunity to protect our community members in removing menthol, mint and wintergreen products from stores,” Hottinger said. “We can’t wait for the federal government and state to work on this when we have an opportunity to do it now.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced it would look to remove menthol cigarettes and cigars from the marketplace. However, FDA action often takes years to be enacted and will be challenged by the tobacco industry. Shoreview resident Grace Plowman, also a high school senior, spoke in favor of the ordinance. She also pointed out how the industry targets the Black community with menthol. “Menthol cigarettes tend to be marketed toward the Black community as well, and studies show that black people are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes,” Plowman said. “By banning the sale of menthol, the city will address racial equity.” The Minnesota Youth Tobacco Survey released earlier this year shows that 70 percent of youth in the state who use e-cigarettes are showing signs of addiction. Overall, youth tobacco use had already taken an upward swing in 2017 for the first time in 17 years because of e-cigarette and flavored cigar use. Shoreview is the 18th Minnesota community to include menthol in its flavored tobacco restrictions. Ten of those cities completely ban all flavors.

Removing menthol cigarettes from the marketplace will improve health disparities; local action and statewide funding still crucial Saint Paul – The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR), the state’s oldest nonprofit dedicated solely to tobacco control, applauds the Biden Administration’s decision to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. While the decision is long overdue, this action is a powerful and crucial step toward mitigating some of the disparities in health outcomes for BIPOC communities in our state, especially among Black Minnesotans. Menthol is not just another flavor. It is the primary money-making flavor for the tobacco industry and has long been targeted toward the Black community, the LGBTQ community, and youth. More than 80 percent of African Americans who smoke use menthol. This isn’t an accident, but is the result of a multi-billion dollar effort by the tobacco industry to hook entire communities. It’s not surprising these communities also face greater health disparities due to menthol tobacco use. Since 2009, menthol has been the only flavored cigarette allowed on the marketplace, which has institutionalized disparities and cost precious lives, especially in the Black community. For too long, the tobacco industry has been given leeway to continue to market and sell menthol cigarettes, which are known to be more addictive and difficult to quit than other tobacco. They have made an enormous profit while our communities suffer from the health consequences of tobacco addiction. The announcement by the FDA will kick off a rule-making process that will take at least a year. In the meantime, state and local leaders can act now to end the sale of menthol and all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, chew and flavored cigars. Strong flavored tobacco policies will address health disparities, reverse the youth tobacco epidemic and improve health for all Minnesotans. “Just this week, the City of Bloomington became Minnesota’s 17th community to restrict or end the sale of menthol and other flavored tobacco products. Ten of those cities have completely ended flavored tobacco sales, including Bloomington. ANSR urges local communities to continue to pass strong policies to help curb the impact tobacco has on all of us, especially BIPOC communities,” said Chris Smith, Community Organizer at ANSR. Funding is an important part of comprehensive policies to reverse the youth tobacco epidemic and ease tobacco-related health disparities. The proposed House, Senate and Walz budget bills increase investments in tobacco prevention programs and direct the Minnesota Department of Health to emphasize health equity in these programs. Increasing Minnesota’s investment in tobacco prevention will reduce addiction, save money and lives.