Better Together: Building a Healthier Community Through Wisconsin Wins

Published On: December 11, 2024Categories: PreventionTags: 3.8 min read

Better Together: Building a Healthier Community Through Wisconsin Wins

Written by Char Barwin, Communications and Program Support Specialist

In Manitowoc County, we’re celebrating a significant milestone in youth tobacco prevention: 98% compliance in the second round of 2024 Wisconsin Wins (WI Wins) compliance checks! Out of 51 retailers, 50 refused to sell tobacco products to underage customers, demonstrating a powerful commitment to keeping tobacco out of the hands of our youth.

This success reflects the effectiveness of the WI Wins program, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco through positive reinforcement, education, and community collaboration.

What Is WI Wins?

The WI Wins campaign uses a science-based approach to address a critical public health issue: youth tobacco access. The program’s goal is to create healthier communities by partnering with retailers to comply with laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors. Through retailer education, compliance checks, and community engagement, WI Wins helps protect Wisconsin’s youth from the harmful effects of tobacco.

Retailers play a crucial role in this effort. To support them, WI Wins provides free, state-approved training via WITobaccoCheck.org. This resource offers study guides, quizzes, and certificates to equip employees with the knowledge needed to follow Wisconsin’s tobacco sales laws. By completing the training, clerks not only avoid potential fines and license suspensions but also contribute to a tobacco-free future for Wisconsin youth.

How Does WI Wins Work?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services partners with local organizations like the Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (NEWAHEC) to conduct compliance checks, educate retailers, and engage the community. These checks involve youth inspectors—aged 16 to 17—who attempt to purchase tobacco products under the supervision of the local organization. If clerks refuse to sell, they are congratulated and recognized for their compliance. If a sale occurs, education is provided to ensure future compliance. NEWAHEC administers tobacco compliance checks in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties.

Local Leadership in Manitowoc County

Brinn Holschbach, Prevention Program Support at NEWAHEC, is the driving force behind WI Wins in Manitowoc County. She works closely with youth inspectors, law enforcement, and tobacco retailers to ensure the success of compliance checks.

Before the checks begin, Holschbach sets retailers up for success by sending letters and delivering posters with the clear message: 21 Means 21. This proactive outreach reinforces the importance of age verification and provides retailers with the tools they need to comply with the law.

“Achieving a 98% compliance rate is an impressive reflection of the dedication of our community,” Holschbach says. “Each time a retailer checks ID and refuses a sale to a minor, they’re helping create a healthier Manitowoc County.”

Celebrating Success, Acknowledging Challenges

The nearly perfect compliance rate in Manitowoc County is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local businesses, youth inspectors, law enforcement, and public health professionals. While one retailer did sell during this round of checks in Manitowoc, the overwhelming majority followed the law, showing that progress is being made.

This success also highlights the importance of programs like WI Wins in fostering positive reinforcement. Retailers who comply with the law are celebrated, creating a culture of accountability and pride in protecting youth from tobacco products.

The Bigger Picture

The impact of WI Wins goes beyond compliance checks. By reducing youth access to tobacco, the program plays a vital role in decreasing the likelihood of lifelong addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 90% of adult smokers started smoking before age 18. Programs like WI Wins are essential in breaking this cycle and promoting healthier futures for our youth.

How You Can Help

Creating a tobacco-free future is a team effort. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Retailers: Enroll your staff in free training at WITobaccoCheck.org. Empower them to follow the law and support community health.
  • Parents and Guardians: Talk to your children about the risks of tobacco use. Open conversations are a key prevention strategy.
  • Community Members: Advocate for local health initiatives and support businesses that prioritize youth health.

Looking Ahead

Manitowoc County’s near-perfect compliance rate in the second round of WI Wins checks is an achievement worth celebrating. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of community-focused initiatives. With continued effort, we can build on this success and ensure that tobacco stays out of the hands of our youth.

To learn more about WI Wins and other local health initiatives, visit wiwins.org, newahec.org, and healthiestmc.org.

Together, we’re making a difference—one compliance check at a time.

###