The Uppowoc Project is a teen tobacco use prevention program focuses on preventing and decreasing commercial tobacco use among American Indian youth. Through the use of culturally-appropriate strategies and activities, teens gain skills to help them become tobacco use prevention advocates. They promote tobacco-free policies in tribal buildings and at tribal events, use peer to peer education to promote the cultural use of tobacco, and seek opportunities to share their cultural and tribal heritage as they promote healthy lifestyles free of commercial tobacco use. The program is supported by the Division of Public Health within the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Resources.

TThe Uppowoc Project works with the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association and Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministry to operate a faith-based initiative that conducts outreach and education with churches serving American Indian communities. Additionally, the Uppowoc funds mini-grant programs in the following communities: Coharie Intra-Tribal Council, Harnett County Coharie Indian Association, Guilford Native American Association, Hawkeye Indian Cultural Center, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony Tribe, and the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe.

The tobacco prevention program promotes teen activities through the development of TRU groups within American Indian communities.

What is TRU…

Tobacco.Reality.Unfiltered. (TRU) is a statewide initiative to prevent tobacco use among teens. Additional information can be found at the TRU website: www.realityunfiltered.com.

Being TRU…

TRU members will receive training and participate in activities such as:

• Peer-to-Peer Education: Educating youth about tobacco initiation, prevention and cessation in schools and community centers.
• Advocacy: Promoting 100% Tobacco Free School policy at their high school.
• Media Literacy: Learning how the media affects teen tobacco use.
• Media Advocacy: Creating tobacco prevention media messages and materials.
• Merchant Education: Educating local merchants about under-age tobacco sales.

Links

www.healthwellnc.com
www.QuitlineNC.com
keepitsacred.org/network
www.minutetoask.com
www.trutoolkit.com
www.tobaccofreecollegesnc.com
www.legacyforhealth.org
www.tobaccofreekids.org

For additional information on the program, call 919-807-4440 or contact:
Missy Brayboy, Program Director
Email: missy.brayboy@doa.nc.gov

Kerry Bird, Program Coordinator
Email: kerry.bird@doa.nc.gov

Faith-Based Initiative Staff
Jessica Cummings
Burnt Swamp Baptist Association Phone: 910-521-9850