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This coalition belongs to the whole community.

Tobacco Free Suwannee isn't a government program — it's a community-led coalition. Our strength comes from the diversity of voices at the table.

About the Partnership

What is Tobacco Free Suwannee?

Tobacco Free Suwannee is a community coalition — a group of organizations and individuals who share a commitment to reducing tobacco use in Suwannee County. We are not a government agency and not a health department program. We're neighbors working together.

The partnership is supported by the Suwannee Valley Youth Advocacy Partnership (SVYAP) and funded through the Florida Department of Health's Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida grant program. But the coalition itself is independent — members set the agenda, lead the work, and decide what matters in our community.

Partnership leadership:
Carla Blalock — Chair
Colleen Cody — Vice Chair
Lynda Owens — Community Champion

Partnership meetings are publicly advertised and open to anyone in the community. You don't have to represent an organization to attend.

Partnership Meetings

Open to the public — all are welcome

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Frequency
Quarterly — once per season
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Location
Suwannee County, FL
Location announced with each meeting
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Announcements
Check this website or contact us to get on the list
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What happens
Policy updates, shared services, community connections, and planning — not just reports
Who We Represent

12 sectors. One community.

Effective tobacco prevention requires every part of the community working in the same direction. Here's who has a seat at the Tobacco Free Suwannee table — and who we're still looking for.

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Healthcare
Clinics, hospitals, health departments, providers
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Education
Schools, colleges, educators, administrators
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Faith Communities
Churches, faith leaders, congregations
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Government
City, county, and state elected officials and staff
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Law Enforcement
Sheriff's office, police, school resource officers
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Youth / SWAT
Student advocates, SWAT members, youth-serving orgs
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Media
Local news, radio, community communications
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Business
Local employers, chambers of commerce, retail
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Social Services
Nonprofits, social workers, human services agencies
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Parents & Families
PTAs, parents, family advocates
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Senior Groups
Senior centers, retirement communities, AARP
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Civic Organizations
Rotary, Lions, community service groups
Ready to Join?

There's a seat at the table for you.

Whether you represent an organization or just care about your community — you're welcome at Tobacco Free Suwannee. Contact us to get on the meeting announcement list, learn about upcoming events, or find out how your organization can get involved.

Get in Touch

What partnership membership looks like

  • Attending quarterly public meetings
  • Participating in sub-committees aligned with your expertise
  • Connecting your organization's resources with coalition goals
  • Advocating within your sector for tobacco-free policies
  • Supporting SWAT youth in your school or community

There's no dues, no mandatory commitment level. Show up as much as you're able — every voice matters.