As cigarette smoking rates have dropped, the tobacco industry has created new products to keep users hooked and find new customers. These "other tobacco products" (OTPs) are harmful and addictive, plus they're marketed aggressively and priced inexpensively. That's not safe, not fair, and not good for Wisconsin.
When educating about OTPs, it’s important to stress the following messages:
- Use of other tobacco products is on the rise:
- Products appeal to kids:
- Flavoring and Packaging: Flavored Tobacco: Candy Coating Addiction
- Price: A Closer Look at Our Tobacco Tax
- Price: Taxes on Other Tobacco Products (TFK)
- New products aren’t safe:
Check out OTP Messaging with Youth Recommendations (DPI)
Effective outreach can can include meetings, presentations, and earned media.
Meetings
When educating about OTPs be sure to hit:- Types of OTPs overview
- Our key messages
- Why this is relevant in your area (share local OTP photos, retail environment assessment results, and stories)
- A call to action (how folks can get involved)
Presentations
Incorporate the points above and consider using the following presentation template to help you get started.
Earned Media
Customize the resources below to garner earned media on OTPs.
Ideas for using visuals to help tell your story:
OTP Plates
Arrange OTP plates to show how the products look and smell like candyPhotos from Retail Assessments
Print or use your phone to show photos from retail assessments to show why this is relevant in your community.Sources for Photos for Presentations, Newsletters or Meetings
- OTP and candy comparison photos from Utah Department of Public Health
- Trinkets and Trash website
- Photo gallery of Wisconsin OTP pictures on Flickr (seen below)
