BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Bismarck Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) will host its annual Break Free Youth Action Summit (YAS) next Tuesday in Bismarck, which is expected to host about 150 middle and high school students and their advisors. This free conference will attempt to educate students on the dangers of tobacco and try to create the next tobacco-free generation. It will provide a platform for youth advocates to demonstrate their passion for the topic and will give students the tools they need to find their voice if they want to advocate. “We are excited to host the Annual Bismarck Youth Action Summit," BBPH Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Alexis Raymond said. "The impact of one youth voice can change a generation, so can you imagine over 150 voices standing up for positive change in our communities and throughout our state? Tobacco prevention is vital, and attending the summit gives students thetools they need to take action not just for their own life but for a healthier world.” Tobacco Free North Dakota (TFND) is also helping to support and organize the conference. Rural Veteran Suicide Prevention Summit at Minot State University The speaker at this year's summit will be Nikkya Taliaferro, National Youth Ambassador for Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK). Over the last few years, there has been a significant decrease in youth smoking rates, though vaping among high school students still remains high. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey says that the current vaping rate among high school students in North Dakota is 18%, which is double the rate of e-cigarette use by ND adults.In the weeks and months after the summit, attending students will work to create activities for two annual tobacco prevention holidays, Great American Smoke Out (November 21st) and Great American Spit Out (Feb. 20th, 2024). The summit will be Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Bismarck Events Center. Fargo will have a similar one on October 9. Registration has closed for both. To read more about the Youth Action Summit, go to its website here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW