Polk County Public Health Director Sarah Reese invited the members of the 2026-27 Polk County Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to the September 22 county board meeting to join in the discussion on the county’s tobacco ordinance.
The board was established in 2018 by the Polk County Board of Commissioners and comprises 16 to 20 high school students from across the county. The board holds quarterly meetings to discuss public health topics important to their schools and to offer insight to Polk County Public Health on initiatives aimed at youth. Reese wanted the full board to attend the meeting to gain a better understanding of how the meetings function and to be part of the tobacco ordinance discussion. “Our Youth Advisory Board attended the board meeting so that they can understand the board process and how county government works because we want them to understand that process, as well as for them to offer comments about their experience as teens related to tobacco and nicotine delivery devices such as vapes and other devices.”
Olivia from Fosston, Julia from East Grand Forks, Annalise from Sacred Heart, Morgan from East Grand Forks, and Griffin from Fertile-Beltrami all spoke about their conversations with classmates and friends about the growing trend in vaping. They agreed with some of the recommended changes to the tobacco ordinance, including restrictions on selling flavored tobacco products, requirements that retailers be set a minimum distance from areas of youth activity, such as schools, and age requirements for tobacco sellers. They also suggested better education for students about tobacco use and finding out about the long-term effects of vaping.
Reese was extremely proud to see several board members speak about having discussions with their classmates about the effects of tobacco use and vaping while also looking to address how PCPH can help provide education and regulations against selling tobacco to minors. “They are great representatives of their schools and their communities, and yet all youth wrestle with hard topics, right? Substance use, mental health, etc.,” said Reese. “I was very proud of them of being able to articulate their experience, but also you heard in their comments about them talking with their peers to get additional insights about what they could offer to the board here today, so that in the future, they’re making informed decisions in the best interests of youth and families in Polk County.”
Reese will continue to work with the Youth Advisory Board on the proposed ordinance updates and other public health initiatives throughout the school year.
