Wisconsin Wins (WIWins) Volunteers Attend Racine County Youth Coalition (RCYC) Meeting

We attended the Aug. 1st RCYC meeting held in Mt. Pleasant. and shared information about our recent WIWins  tobacco retailer compliance checks.  The Jan. - July 2013 results for Racine County have much improved from 2012.  For example, out of the 39 checks completed to date, only 2 retailers illegally sold cigarettes to minors (5%).  There are still 80 checks to complete by Dec. 2013. Racine County 2012 results were 118 checks completed with 13 illegal tobacco sales to minors (10.9%).  We also dicussed the trend of retailers illegally breaking open packs of cigarettes and selling cigarettes as singles.  we had an apportunity to visit a Kenosha retailer during compliance checks with the Kenosha Police Department.  The retailer sold us 2 cigarettes for $1.00 and was given a citation for $177.00. 

At the meeting we were very appreciative of  the 29 attendees.  Lolli Haws, the Superintendent of Schools of the Racine Unified School District was in attendance and this was very impressive as she showed much interest in the youth community and how she could make improvements. Another thing that stood out was the discussion about prescription pills and how they are allowing people to become more aware of the dangers and accessibility of them. Their posters for billboards were very well made and definitely make a statement.  Several opportunities for youth volunteerism and resources available for youth were presented.

Brianna Coffey
Stephen Bunch
WIWins Volunteers