The Minneapolis Health Department is committed to working closely with community-based organizations to helping educate and prevent the use of tobacco and nicotine by future generations.

Community partnerships

In 2020, the Minneapolis Health Department contracted with two organizations, Convergence Events, Inc. and WellShare to develop messaging to youth about the dangers of vaping (electronic cigarettes).

Convergence Events, Incorporated is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to creating exciting events that connect, enrich and expand our diverse community, and to inspiring each other through creativity, learning, and service. Their main activity is CONvergence, an annual science fiction and fantasy convention in the Twin Cities.

Wellshare’s mission focuses on a community-based approach to public health issues, with a focus on education and outreach to improve the health of immigrants in Minnesota.

With funding from the MN Department of Health, Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant:

• Convergence Events, Inc developed three PSA videos that were promoted on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok encouraging youth to quit vaping.
• Wellshare used the funding to provide education to adults through community presentations and radio talk shows, and social media outreach to youth. The social media outreach included photovoice and a youth testimonial about his experience with vaping.