Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) will join forces with advocates across the country for the National Day of Action: Take Down Tobacco Day on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This nationwide movement, spearheaded by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, is dedicated to empowering youth, raising awareness about the dangers of nicotine addiction and taking bold steps to end Big Tobacco's influence in our communities.
“Quitting commercial tobacco is a win for your health, your wallet and your future. This Take Down Tobacco Day, we stand together to promote the benefits of a tobacco-free life—because better health, more energy and financial freedom are worth fighting for,” said Larry Anenson, Director of Health Promotion for FCPH.
Take Down Tobacco Day is a powerful opportunity to shine a light on the tactics Big Tobacco uses to target young people and vulnerable populations. According to Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, ninety percent of adult smokers begin this deadly addiction as teenagers or earlier. As a result, youth are critical and powerful voices in the fight against tobacco.
Every year, nearly half a million Americans and more than 1,000 North Dakotans lose their lives to commercial tobacco-related illnesses, and countless others are affected by nicotine addiction. Youth are especially vulnerable, with e-cigarettes and flavored products acting as gateways to lifelong addiction.
North Dakota's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program provides the data below for high school and middle school students:
High school students:
• 5.4% currently smoke cigarettes
• 18.2% currently use vaping devices
• 3.4% currently use smokeless tobacco
• 4.2% currently smoke cigars
Middle school students:
• 2.6% currently smoke cigarettes
• 7.6% currently use vaping devices
• 1.2% currently use smokeless tobacco
• 1.1% currently smoke cigars
To learn about local quitting programs for youth and adults, call 701.241.8195 701.241.8195 or visit FargoCassPublicHealth.com/readytoquit. The Truth Initiative Truth Initiative provides additional data and statistics about tobacco use in North Dakota.