My name is Macy Jordan and I am a junior at Ada High School. I have been involved with YAHL (Youth Action for Health Leadership) for two years and have served on the YAHL Leadership Team for those two years. YAHL, along with the CounterAct Tobacco Campaign, empowers youth to use policy and advocacy to reduce tobacco use and improve public health in Oklahoma. In this blog, I will discuss why comprehensive tobacco retail licensing matters and how youth involvement in policy can create lasting change.
Policy shapes the rules and systems that guide how communities function and stay healthy. Strong policies are important because they create consistent protections, reduce harmful behaviors, and hold industries accountable. In Oklahoma, effective public health policies can reduce tobacco access, protect youth, and improve health outcomes for families across the state.
The CounterAct Tobacco Campaign focuses on reducing tobacco use by advocating for evidence-based policies, including comprehensive tobacco retail licensing, which ensures retailers meet clear standards and follow the law. Through education, community engagement, and youth-led advocacy, the campaign works to limit youth access to tobacco products and reduce exposure to harmful marketing. Comprehensive tobacco retail licensing can improve public health by decreasing illegal sales, increasing compliance and reducing tobacco-related illness over time. Since joining YAHL, I have learned about policy, participated in advocacy efforts, and used my voice to support changes that protect my community.
I care about this policy because tobacco use continues to harm young people and families, and prevention through policy is one of the most effective solutions. Working with YAHL has taught me that policy creates long-term change, and other students can gain leadership skills, confidence, and real-world impact by getting involved in advocacy. Supporting the policy changes CounterAct Tobacco is working toward will help create a healthier future for all Oklahomans.
By: Macy Jordan, Ada High School
