Commercial tobacco continues to take a significant toll across Meeker, McLeod, and Sibley counties (MMS).
More than 8,600 adults, or roughly 1 in 9 residents across the three-county region, smoke cigarettes, contributing to preventable deaths, approximately $824 in excess medical costs per person, and an estimated $983 annual tax burden for every household. Youth in our communities continue to be exposed to flavored tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products that can lead to addiction and negatively impact brain development and mental health
County Retailer Data Display
| Assessment Metrics | Sibley County (PDF) | McLeod County (PDF) | Meeker County (PDF) | Minnesota State Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Vaping Rates (11th Graders) | 15.4% (Higher than state average) | 13.9% (Matches state average) | 15.3% (Higher than state average) | 13.9% |
| Flavored Tobacco Sales | 7 in 10 retailers | 4 in 5 retailers | 7 in 10 retailers | Varying by Region |
| Menthol Availability | 9 in 10 retailers | 10 in 10 retailers | 4 in 5 retailers | Highly Pervasive |
| Single Cigarillo Availability | 3 in 5 retailers | 4 in 5 retailers | 3 in 5 retailers | Targeted Pricing |
| Active Price Promotions / Discounts | Half of retailers | Over 3/4 of retailers | Half of retailers | Widespread |
| Average Cheapest Pack Entry Price | $9.62 | $9.53 | $9.53 – $9.62 | Base Regulatory Minimum |
At School
- Harm Reduction for vaping and nicotine. Find trusted Minnesota programs, tools, and model policies that help schools prevent vaping and support students with nicotine dependence from the ALA Nicotine Dependence Education & Treatment Resources.
- Quitting nicotine is no easy feat. There are tips and tricks that can be utilized to help with quitting nicotine, along with more resources at Stanford Medicine Reach Lab.
Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services has been assigned to create prevention, education, and recovery programs focusing on substance misuse prevention and treatment options by the Minnesota Department of Health.
In Schools MMS CHS are working with teachers, school counselors, school administration, and licensed chemical dependency counselors to provide:
Suspension alternatives such as school-based interventions related to substance use harm reduction, recovery support that include:
- Quit Kits offer practical tools and support for students who are ready to quit smoking, vaping, or using commercial tobacco. Items such as gum, mints, flavored toothpicks, fidget tools, healthy snacks, water bottles, and quit resource information can help manage cravings, reduce stress, and build healthier, tobacco-free habits.
- Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) programming with a licensed chemical dependency counselor
- Chemical Dependency Support Groups
- And additional educational opportunities, support, and resources
At Home and in the Community
- Harm Reduction for vaping and nicotine: includes Find trusted Minnesota programs, tools, and model policies that help schools prevent vaping and support students with nicotine dependence from the ALA Nicotine Dependence Education & Treatment Resources.
- Quitting nicotine is no easy feat. There are tips and tricks that can be utilized to help with quitting nicotine, along with more resources at Stanford Medicine Reach Lab.
- How to Talk to Youth early and often to normalize drug and alcohol conversations with your teen using the Talk Early Talk Often Guide.
Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services has been assigned to create prevention, education, and recovery programs focusing on substance misuse prevention and treatment options by the Minnesota Department of Health.
MMS CHS are working to provide:
- Education and resources to parents, caregivers and community members on substance use and prevention.
Treatment, Referrals, & Support
- National Help Resource: SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (available in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
- Smokefree.gov Cessation Tools and Plans
- Minnesota Department of Health E-Cigarettes and Vaping Information
- CDC Tips From Former Smokers® Campaign
