Worcester County, MD- Tri-County Public Health and Education agencies are partnering to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and vape products in observance of Take Down Tobacco Day on April 1, 2022. Take Down Tobacco Day is a fresh take on what was formerly known as Kick Butts Day. The goal of the video campaign is to encourage youth to avoid tobacco and vaping products. The campaign will feature local youth from each county, who will share with their peers, through a video messaging campaign, the reasons why they don’t use tobacco and/or vape products. In addition, youth will be encouraged to be advocates in the month of April, and raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products through interactive educational videos, photos, and activities. 

“We are very excited about partnering and raising community awareness about the dangers of tobacco and vape products. Vaping and the utilization of electronic smoking devices continues to rise among our youth,” said Crystal Bell at the Worcester County Health Department. “We want to make sure that our youth and parents are aware and know the dangers of these devices and the health consequences and risks that could be as a result of using tobacco and vape products at such a young age. Our hope is that students will take back the information gained from campaign messaging and raise their voices as a way to educate their peers, be advocates in their schools and community, and live tobacco and vape-free lifestyles.” 

Educational materials, youth quit resource kits, and giveaways will be distributed to the Boards of Education and select community organizations in each county to share with students. Youth are encouraged to make a pledge to live tobacco & vape free and to snap a photo or send a short video sharing why they choose to live a tobacco and vape-free lifestyle. Students also are encouraged to work with their school or local community group to take down tobacco & vape products during the month of April! Free-t-shirts will be given to schools or groups that submit videos or photos. All submissions will be entered into a free raffle drawing. Please send photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

This event is sponsored by Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County Health Departments;

Somerset and Worcester County Boards of Education. Funding is made possible through the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund (CRF). 

For more information, call the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100 Ext. 1108. For Tobacco Cessation in Wicomico County, call 410-334-3480. For Tobacco Cessation in Somerset County, call 443-523-1700.