News and Events
Okeechobee SWAT Chapter Advocates Against Vaping on “Not-a-Lab Rat Day”
October 15, 2025
On October 15, 2025, the Okeechobee Chapter of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) joined schools and communities across Florida to observe "Not-a-Lab Rat Day", a youth-led tobacco control campaign focused on raising awareness about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarette use.
Throughout the county, SWAT students took part in creative and engaging activities to call attention to tobacco industry marketing tactics aimed at young people. Students dressed as “mad scientists,” made school-wide announcements, hosted poster-making contests, and distributed stickers encouraging peers to question vaping products and make healthier choices. These efforts empowered students to speak out, think critically about their health, and reject harmful products marketed toward youth.
Vaping has become a significant public health concern, particularly among teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine addiction and vaping-related health complications among youth have risen at alarming rates. Okeechobee SWAT emphasized that while e-cigarettes are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, many contain harmful chemicals that can lead to lung injury, addiction, and other serious health risks.
The Okeechobee SWAT Chapter is part of a statewide initiative dedicated to reducing tobacco and nicotine use among young people. Beyond Not-a-Lab Rat Day, the group remains active year-round through school and community outreach efforts designed to prevent youth from falling victim to deceptive tobacco and e-cigarette marketing practices.
Okeechobee SWAT’s observance of Not-a-Lab Rat Day serves as a powerful reminder that youth voices play a critical role in the fight against vaping. These students are standing up for their health and sending a clear message: they refuse to be the next generation trapped by nicotine addiction.
SWAT aims to empower, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against Big Tobacco. SWAT is a movement of empowered youth working together to de-glamorize tobacco use. Their efforts aim to shape tobacco-free norms, make tobacco less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible! For more information on local youth tobacco prevention efforts, visit www.swatflorida.com or contact Courtney Moyett, Okeechobee County's Tobacco Program Manager, at CMoyett@QuitDoc.com.
