For the past six months, RISE TOGETHER has been actively engaged in tobacco prevention efforts through our ongoing partnership with Wisconsin Wins(WI Wins), part of Wisconsin’s Tobacco Prevention & Control Program.
This work includes public awareness efforts and supporting community compliance initiatives that reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors.
Recently, new statewide media coverage and the updated American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control Report have brought renewed attention to the importance of this work.
The message is clear: prevention remains critical.
What the Latest Report Highlights
The newest report outlines continued challenges in Wisconsin’s tobacco prevention efforts, including:
- Gaps in prevention funding
- Ongoing youth nicotine access and vaping concerns
- Policy areas needing improvement
While progress has been made in some areas, the data reinforces that reducing youth access to nicotine products must remain a priority.
How This Connects to RISE’s Mission
RISE TOGETHER’S mission is to prevent substance use and strengthen youth mental health by building protective factors through connection, storytelling, and peer support.
Tobacco prevention is not separate from that mission.
It is part of the prevention ecosystem.
Our prevention framework includes:
Reducing Environmental Risk
Through WI Wins compliance support and awareness efforts, we help reduce illegal tobacco sales and limit youth access.
Strengthening Protective Factors
Through RISE Hangouts, youth leadership, and school programming, we increase belonging, help-seeking, and resilience.
Equipping Adults
Through RISEconnection training, we provide educators and youth-serving professionals with tools to build connection-centered environments.
Prevention works best when systems align.
Limiting access.
Building connection.
Increasing awareness.
Strengthening adults.
That layered strategy is what reduces long-term substance use.
Why This Update Matters Now
When statewide reports highlight continued tobacco challenges, it underscores why local prevention efforts must stay strong.
This is not about fear-based messaging.
It is about proactive, research-informed prevention.
Our involvement with WI Wins complements the research-backed model RISE has implemented for over a decade — one that focuses on connection as the foundation of prevention.
We’re committed to:
✔ Strengthening youth protective factors
✔ Supporting responsible retail practices
✔ Engaging communities in prevention
✔ Building systems that make healthy choices easier
Prevention Is Ongoing Work
The recent media attention serves as a reminder: prevention requires consistency.
We are grateful to continue this work alongside community partners and statewide prevention leaders.
Because protecting youth isn’t a one-time campaign.
It’s a sustained commitment.
-RISE TOGETHER