North Union Students Report Higher Tobacco Use

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A new youth survey from the Union County Health Department has revealed that students in the North Union School District reported higher rates of smoking and tobacco use compared to other areas of the county. The survey results, presented to the North Union School Board, showed concerning percentages of students using various tobacco products in the past 30 days.

Why it matters

The findings highlight an alarming trend of increased tobacco use among youth in the North Union community, which could have significant public health implications if not addressed. Addressing youth tobacco use is a key priority for public health officials, as it can lead to nicotine addiction and serious long-term health consequences.

The details

The survey data, presented in a slide from the Union County Health Department, showed the percentages of North Union students who reported using tobacco products in the last 30 days. The red percentages indicate students who used the products 1-2 times, while the yellow percentages show those who used them more than 3 times.

• The survey results were presented to the North Union School Board in February 2026.

What’s next

The North Union School Board and local health officials will likely need to work together to develop strategies to address the high rates of tobacco use among students, such as implementing more comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation programs.