Nevada County Public Health's Tobacco Use Prevention Program is supporting the youth of our community to take a stand against tobacco and be tobacco-free. At Public Health, we recognize that this generation of young people is savvy, they are not targets, and they can be the generation to stop the number one most preventable chronic disease in America.
Nevada County Public Health partnered with NEO to bring this generation's words to life through a recent spoken word Open Mic and Poetry Slam. The first of its kind in our community, NEO first held monthly workshops for the young poets focused on developing their artistic abilities. Led by J. Ross Parrelli, a performing artist from the Auburn Hip Hop Congress, these workshops helped the aspiring artists gain skills in creating culturally relevant anti-smoking messages that would resonate with their peers. NEO hosted the Open Mic and Poetry Slam in Grass Valley on December 14th to showcase their work. The night kicked off with local musicians showcasing their songwriting and instrumental skills, followed by two local teens performing their work as spoken word poets. These poets graced the stage with profoundly moving pieces that painted a grim life with tobacco addiction.
To become involved with this spoken word project contact NEO at info@ncneo.com, or Shannon Glaz, Health Education Coordinator at Nevada County Public Health, at shannon.glaz@co.nevada.ca.us.
