LCTFC Coalition Meeting Minutes

12 in Attendance

[MEMBER NAMES REDACTED]

Reading of Our Mission & Vision Statements

Read by Jessica Baker

Mental Moment

Kirsten led the group in the Rose, Bud, Thorn exercise. Everyone shared what they are looking forward to (Bud), what they are excited about (Rose), and maybe what they are less excited about (thorn) for the week.

Policy/Days at the Statehouse

Public Health Day is at the Statehouse on March 12th from 10-12 EDT. Registration is recommended but not required, in the North Atrium of the building. You will enter off of Capital Ave, have your government issued ID, and there are public parking garages around the . Attire if you are coming for tobacco – wear Blue & Gold! To show support.

Important notes: No one may carry firearms, all visitorswill be screened using metal detectors or x-ray detectors.

Smoke-Free Communities - Hobart

Last meeting, we discussed how we want to update supporter cards. For today, we’d like to talk about tactics on how we can be visible to the Hobart community. Nicole asked coalition members to have a relational conversation with any Hobart residents they may know for recruiting purposes. In addition, we brainstormed ideas of how to be more visible in Hobart and bring awareness about the coalition and our mission in Hobart.

Brainstorming Ideas:

Schedule Hobart Library Presentation
Kelly suggested we set up a table at the food pantry and apartment buildings.
Hobart Lakefront Festival is having a June 5-8 - Table Day
St. Mary table day
Government Buildings & Trustees Office
Host our Own Event: Ice Cream Social, A Walk, Field Day
The Lake County Tobacco Free Ice Cream Social Event
Potential Days: Saturdays in June
Potential Locations: Hobart Library, The Rock Church – Big Festival, Churches in Hobart,
Potential Marketing: Coffee Shops, Ice Cream Shops, Hobart Chamber Newsletter, Schools

Kelly offered to include our promotional material in her outreach packets.

Jessica offered to help in the preparation process

Resources Needed:

Coalition asked that we bring print material in for them to use when they are out in the community.
Energy Drinks & Eating Disorders Educational Handouts (like Palm Cards) for the schools

Advocacy Update

Irene explained that many North Region representatives were unable to make it downstate given the inclement weather. One VOICE student did make it because she went to Indianapolis the night beforehand with her mother. She was able to meet with a representative and we will get an update on their conversation. We are still looking to identify how we can reach legislators and how we can set up virtual meetings to address our concerns with legislators.

Trainings | Early Heart Attack Care

February is Heart Health Awareness Month. Irene shared the importance of knowing the

signs/symptoms of a heart attack and recommended the coalition members take EHAC course. She shared the link to take APEX Innovations Early Heart Attack Care course.

Training | BREATHE

Irene shared an update on the BREATHE training and that they will do a refresher course for already trained school personnel, make a plan with school liaisons, and share recordings with the parents.

2023-2025 Grant Update

Nicole shared the results of the American Lung Association’s Tobacco Control grades for the State of Indiana...

1. Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F

2. Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade C

3. Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade F

4. Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade C

5. Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products – Grade F

Kirsten gave an update on our QNI efforts and referrals. She shared our current referring agencies and recognized that Lake Station WIC remains our most engaged referral source.

Irene shared an update on YTS. We are finally done with YTS, completing the last school this month.

Irene also shared the harms of improper disposal of vapes. In partnership with the SAFE coalition, we have been able to provide 15 containers for the schools with instructions for proper handling and disposal.

Coalition Activities: End of Year Recognition Event

Last year, we went to Up Your Alley. We had our recognition/awards dinner and then went on to participate in activities. We bowled and played Whirly Ball. When selecting a location, remember we cannot pay for food but we want a place that has an activity but also serves food.

Ideas:

Bowling
Line Dancing
Paintballing
Escape room
Railcats game
Public Bar & Recreation
Board & Brush
No’s:
Axe Throwing

Partner Sharing:

Kelly from Gary Harm Reduction: Doing Outreach, working with HIV & Infectious Diseases. She is giving out Narcan, educating the community.
Jessica Baker from the Lake County Health Department is still working on our resource fairs and is launching education programs.
Jill from the Lake County Health Department is continuing her work with schools in Lake County. They have about 40 schools and lets the schools know the school liaisons from the Lake County Health Department are there, that they have what they need, including emergency meds (Narcan, EpiPens) education for the kids, nutrition, vision, immunization, and hearing screenings.
Etha Lasenby from Marram Health Centers shared that they are preparing for their Trunk or Treat and partnering with CareSource to conduct a Community Baby Shower.
Margarite Muniz-Olsen is open to any collaborations for North Shore.
Shelby Beasley is starting to connect with schools in Newton and Jasper counties.
Irene is working with McKinley school for the Music Notes Program, which is a program that allows the students to create anti-tobacco messages.

Action Items -

Register for Public Health Day – March 12th in Indianapolis
Recruit for the Coalition – Have relational conversations and share Nicole’s contact info. We are looking to reach the following sectors for the coalition...civic/faith, educators, and business owners. In addition, we would like to increase male presence on the coalition. Let us know if you are interested in reviewing the 2025-2027 TPC grant application before submission
Submit ideas for messaging, asks, and images for the Smoke-free Communities Supporter Card
Bring ideas for venues/activities researched for end-of-year event
Bring ideas for sponsors, games, etc. needed for Field Day in Hobart

Notes: Social media & website information

Social media for CANI:

CANI Tobacco-free website - https://www.canihelp.org.in/tobaccofree

Community Advocates of Northern Indiana’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/communityadvocatesofni

LCTFC Coalition Meeting Minutes | February 2025

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