This year Counter Tools partnered with CADCA and the Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control’s Take Back Your 10 (TB10) movement, a statewide youth initiative focused on preventing commercial tobacco and e-cigarette use among youth. The collaboration centered on elevating youth voices and building advocacy skills through the lens of the retail environment.
As part of this work, Counter Tools developed an evidence-based point-of-sale activity guide designed for youth ages 13-19. The guide focused on the retail environment, which is where tobacco products are marketed and sold. Youth learned to identify tobacco industry tactics – such as greenwashing and targeted marketing – conduct retail environmental scans, engage in photovoice storytelling, and analyze the impact of tobacco retailer density and proximity. The activities were designed to help youth investigate the presence and influence of tobacco in their communities and communicate their findings to local leaders.
TB10 youth also participated in hands-on training that equipped them with tools to analyze retail disparities, connect tobacco retail marketing with health outcomes, share their perspectives, and engage in community advocacy. Through these sessions, youth gained the skills and confidence to speak about tobacco’s local influence. Adult advisors were also equipped to support youth in their advocacy journeys through tailored training.
“Working with Counter Tools this year was a pivotal partnership for our tobacco prevention efforts through TB10. Their support during our hybrid/Baltimore environmental scan helped youth identify and analyze retail tobacco disparities with confidence and purpose. Counter Tools’ guidance made data collection approachable and actionable, while also creating an inclusive space that centered youth voice and leadership. Their partnership brought both professionalism and heart to our work—deepening the impact of TB10’s mission to build healthier, tobacco-free communities.”
-Leslie Ortiz-Cadwallader, Youth Tobacco Prevention Program Manager, CADCA
Counter Tools is grateful to have played a role in this effort. As the partnership comes to a close, we’re proud of the momentum and capacity built and look forward to seeing TB10 youth continue to lead the way in building healthier retail environments across Maryland.
