Glenwood Springs has adopted a new smoking ordinance banning cigarettes in public spaces from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The measure passed 5-1, prohibiting smoking downtown, in parks, trails, and near schools. Late-night smoking remains permitted after 10 p.m. The ordinance takes effect early August.
Pennsylvania's new $1-per-pack cigarette tax takes effect August 1st, making it the nation's 10th-highest state levy at $2.60. Philadelphia's combined state and local tax reaches $4.60 per pack, the third-highest among major U.S. cities. The legislation also taxes smokeless tobacco, pipes, roll-your-own tobacco, and e-cigarettes for the first time, with experts citing evidence that higher taxes effectively reduce smoking rates.
The George Washington University Cancer Center launches PN-BOT, a free Excel-based tool for oncology patient navigation programs. This customizable platform tracks patient volume, demographics, treatment profiles, care barriers, and outcomes, enabling programs to document their impact and advance the navigation field effectively.
Join us for our inaugural podcast featuring Richard Mousseau from the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board. Discover how GPTCHB champions health across tribal communities, the obstacles they navigate, and Richard's vision for advancing wellness in the Great Plains region.
Join the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan's National Native Network for an essential webinar on Native Cancer Wellness. Learn to identify unique challenges facing Native American cancer patients and explore integrative oncology care models that combine traditional healing with clinical treatment. Earn continuing education credits.
Howard County Commissioners voted to add e-cigarettes to the county's smoke-free workplace ordinance, marking another victory for tobacco-free advocates. While supporters celebrate the health benefits, e-cigarette business owners argue the science remains unsettled and devices may actually improve air quality. The FDA's May ruling extending authority over e-cigarettes influenced the decision.
Michigan State University's tobacco ban takes effect August 15th, prohibiting all tobacco products across its 5,200-acre campus. Students and staff must travel off-campus to smoke, facing $150 fines for violations. While university officials emphasize education over enforcement, some students question whether the policy will prove effective.
Indian Country pioneered dental therapists to address severe oral health disparities. Now Vermont, Minnesota, and Maine are adopting this proven model. Dental Health Aide Therapists provide preventive care in underserved communities, freeing dentists for complex procedures. Despite ADA opposition, DHATs have successfully served 40,000 Alaskans since 2004, transforming access to essential dental care nationwide.
A new American Academy of Pediatrics study raises alarm: adolescents who wouldn't otherwise use tobacco are now turning to e-cigarettes. While overall teen smoking declined, combined e-cigarette and cigarette use increased substantially. Health experts worry nicotine exposure during critical brain development could create a generation of addicts vulnerable to traditional tobacco products.
Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 constituents, with 93 being particularly toxic. Yet most people are unfamiliar with these chemicals beyond nicotine. A recent survey found that while many smokers want access to this information—preferably on packaging—few actually understand what's in the smoke they're inhaling daily.
Attending any of these upcoming events? Have other events to share? Let us know! Email us at NNN@ITCMI.ORG to share your event information or to get on our list serve for event updates.
National Network of Public Health Institutes Annual Conference | New Orleans, LA | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
2026 National Council of Urban Indian Health Conference | Washington, D.C. | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Webinar | Behavioral Health and Tobacco Product Use: Addressing Disparities, Improving Outcomes | LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Partners in Chronic Disease Prevention Symposium | Hosted by Great Plains Tribal Health | Great Plains Tribal Health is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Partners in Chronic Disease Prevention Symposium. Travel scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for a scholarship, please indicate so on the registration page and return all necessary documents by April 10, 2026. | ATTENDEE REGISTRATION | VENDOR REGISTRATION
