Lummi Teens Against Tobacco Use (T.A.T.U)

Presented by William Lucero

Current Statistics Among Native American Smokers• American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are, overall, more likely than

any other racial/ethnic subgroup to be current smokers. According to the 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) of adults ages 18 and over, 29.2 percent of AI/AN currently smoke, compared to 18.2 percent of Caucasians, 17.5 percent of African Americans, 11.2 percent of Hispanics and 9.5 percent of Asian Americans. Overall, 16.8 percent of U.S. adults are current smoker.

• The 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that AI/AN high school students have the highest smoking prevalence of all racial/ethnic groups, at 24.6 percent. In comparison, 18.6 percent of Caucasians, 8.3 percent of African Americans, 14.0 percent of Hispanics, and 10.3 percent of Asian American high school students are current smokers. Overall, 15.7 percent of US high school students are current smokers.

Public Health Educator Formed T.A.T.U.

• Kathleen Charles, RN, MPH• Lummi Nation T.A.T.U. program began 15 years ago• The curriculum is modeled after the American Lung

Association• Kathy ensures T.A.T.U youth have fun, they train and build

leadership skills, and network with other youth thru participating in workshops and attending conferences

Youth Involvement and Participation

Champions for Change

Opportunities Prospered from T.A.T.U.

• Accepted to Eastern Washington University• Ambassador for We R Native• White House Tribal Youth Gathering, July 2015• My Brother’s Keeper, White House, July 2014• Juvenile Justice Youth Summit, Washington DC• Facilitated my first conference (SAMHSA)• Been invited to present at multiple conferences

Thank You!