Mississippi’s History of Prevention

The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi has prevailed as a national leader in tobacco prevention. Part of our humble beginnings include the 1994 Tobacco Settlement Master Agreement and the development of interactive educational and training programs for youth and adults. With a focus on long-term behavioral and cultural change, the Partnership, with some obvious evolution to match the changing tides of effective messaging with our youth, remain steadfast and effective to this day.

Due to collaborative efforts, intensive advocacy training, localized support, and mobilization of a groundswell of youth motivation, more than 140 local smoke-free ordinances (of which 99 include e-cigarettes) and historical statewide legislation have been passed within the past two decades. 

The fight against Big Tobacco continues with the introduction of vaping and e-cigarettes. The messaging of the Partnership has also expanded with the introduction of our youth campaigns #GENFREEMS and #VAPEFREEMS. With new legislation and research emerging every day, it is important that Mississippians stay up to date!