TNSTRONG (Tennessee Stop Tobacco and Revolutionize Our New Generation)

A youth-led, statewide movement committed to raising awareness of tobacco's dangers and fighting the tobacco industry's influence on Tennessee youth.

Empowering Youth for Tobacco Use Prevention

TNSTRONG (Tennessee Stop Tobacco and Revolutionize Our New Generation) is a youth-led, statewide movement committed to raising awareness of tobacco's dangers and fighting the tobacco industry's influence on Tennessee youth.

Program Overview

The TNSTRONG Youth Ambassador Program empowers youth to lead, inspire, and share tobacco prevention resources across Tennessee. Ambassadors plan, implement, and participate in tobacco education and advocacy events at the local, county, and statewide levels. They engage peers, educate communities, and motivate others to take action, receiving specialized training to enhance leadership and advocacy skills. The program is supervised locally and coordinated by the Tennessee Department of Health Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program.

Term Commitment

Ambassadors serve a two-year term from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Rising 12th graders serve a one-year term.

What to Expect

Youth Ambassadors will:

  • Develop leadership skills and advocacy experience
  • Plan and participate in local and statewide events
  • Meet peers, community leaders, and legislators
  • Inspire and educate others about tobacco prevention

Eligibility

The program is open to rising 8th–12th graders (ages 13–19) in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5, maintained throughout their term.

Responsibilities

Ambassadors must:

  • Agree to the TNSTRONG Ambassador Commitment Agreement
  • Participate in at least 70% of monthly conference calls
  • Attend all required in-person meetings and the Annual TNSTRONG Summit
  • Have reliable internet access and respond to program communications promptly
  • Contribute regional updates and participate in at least one school advocacy activity
  • Assist in planning and leading tobacco prevention events in their county
  • Deliver at least two presentations to youth or adults annually
  • Stay current on tobacco prevention and advocacy topics
  • Promote TNSTRONG and recruit participants for events and the Summit

How to Apply

Interested students can download the application and apply online through the TNSTRONG Youth Ambassador Application.


Public Health Initiatives in Tobacco Use Prevention

Program Contacts by Region and Metro

West Region

Robyn Russell
Phone: 731-884-2645
Email: Robyn.Russell@tn.gov

Mid-Cumberland Region

Colin Simmons
Phone: 615-444-5325
Email: Colin.Simmons@tn.gov

Upper Cumberland Region

Lindsay Bice-Shirley
Phone: 931-456-1707
Email: Lindsay.Bice-Shirley@tn.gov

East Region

Crisi Rosecrane
Phone: 865-549-5283
Email: Crystal.Rosecrance@tn.gov

Northeast Region

Stephanie Rucker
Phone: 423-979-4662
Email: Stephanie.Rucker@tn.gov

South Central Region

Lindsey Wayland
Phone: 931-490-8366
Email: Lindsey.Wayland@tn.gov

Southeast Region

Sofia Leon-Meza
Phone: 931-967-3826
Email: Sofia.Leon-Meza@tn.gov

Shelby (Metro)

Destiny Fletcher
Phone: 901-222-9528
Email: destiny.fletcher@shelbycountytn.gov

Madison (Metro)

Alex McHugh
Phone: 731-423-3020 Ext. 2013
Email: amchugh@madisoncountytn.gov

Davidson (Metro)

Danielle Duke
Phone: 615-340-0396
Email: danielle.duke@nashville.gov

Hamilton County (Metro)

Phone: 423-209-8248

Knox  (Metro)

Taylor Evans
Phone: 865-215-5445
Email: taylor.evans@knoxcounty.org

Sullivan (Metro)

Rebecca Sturgill
Phone: 423-279-2871
Email: rsturgill@sullivanhealth.org

Take the TNSTRONG Nicotine-Free Pledge

TNSTRONG is working to raise awareness about the harms caused by all kinds of nicotine products, prevent youth initiation, and support youth who would like to stop using nicotine products. The Tennessee Department of Health is excited about this new opportunity to connect with middle and high school teams and clubs and encourage the teams to pledge to be nicotine-free.

Middle and high school teams and clubs across Tennessee are committing to being nicotine-free. Will your team be next?

For more information on how your team or club can participate, email us at tnstrong.health@tn.gov. Please include your name, school, and county in your message.

Table titled "Nicotine Free Teams" showing fall, winter, and spring sports, as well as clubs and activities eligible for nicotine-free designation, with registration deadlines listed for each season.
The “Nicotine Free Teams” chart encourages participation in tobacco- and nicotine-free school programs across Tennessee. Fall Sports: Cross Country (Boys & Girls), Football, Golf (Boys & Girls), Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball. Deadline: October 15 Winter Sports: Basketball (Boys & Girls), Bowling (Boys & Girls), Wrestling (Boys & Girls). Deadline: February 15 Spring Sports: Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Tennis (Boys & Girls), Track & Field (Boys & Girls). Deadline: March 15 Clubs: Band/Color Guard, Fishing, Robotics. Deadlines: October 15 and March 15 Activities: Cheerleading, Dance. Deadlines: October 15 and February 15 Notes: B&G = Boys and Girls Sport Teams are sponsored by TSSAA Clubs are officially recognized educational entities Activities listed are sponsored by TSSAA The image includes silhouettes of student athletes and the TNSTRONG logo, featuring a map of Tennessee with a no-smoking symbol.

Inspiration, Networking, & Skill-Building

Join hundreds of students and adults from across Tennessee for three days of inspiration, breakout sessions, skill-building, and networking. This Summit is open to students ages 13 to 19.


2026 TNSTRONG Youth Summit

July 19 - 21, 2026
Chattanooga Convention Center

Over the course of this three-day conference, participants will hear from leading tobacco prevention experts and network with like-minded peers from across the state. The summit ensures attendees are motivated and equipped to reach peers and adults in ongoing efforts to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco use.


How to Register

Register HERE to participate. Please note that all participants must have a chaperone.

Registration Includes:

  • Three days and two nights accommodations (multiple occupancies)
  • Meals: Sunday dinner; Monday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Tuesday breakfast and lunch
  • Conference T-shirt
  • Access to breakout sessions
  • No registration fees

Once registered, your information will be added to the rooming list. Please include your group’s details during registration.

Chaperone Expectations 

Eligibility and Supervision

  • Must be at least 21 years of age or older on or before July 19, 2026
  • One adult chaperone is required for every 8–10 youth.
  • Chaperones must match the sex of the students (male for male students, female for female students). Only a parent or guardian may stay in the same room as their child.
  • Chaperones must fully participate in all Summit activities, including breakout sessions and orientation.

Registration and Preparation

  • Ensure all participants (youth and adults) complete the online registration and submit a medical release form by the deadline.
  • Review Summit guidelines and responsibilities with your group prior to arrival.

Safety and Conduct

  • Collect and share cell phone numbers between chaperones and youth.
  • Use the buddy system and ensure participants remain in their assigned rooms.
  • Nametags must be worn at all times in conference and hotel areas.
  • All participants must attend scheduled events and be on time.
  • Cell phones must be muted during sessions; step outside if taking a call.
  • Language must be clean, kind, and encouraging.
  • Violence, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use (including e-cigarettes) are prohibited. Violations may result in removal and legal action if necessary.
  • Participants must remain on Summit grounds and follow all rooming and curfew rules (youth in rooms by 10:00 PM, no room switching, gender-specific rooms).
  • Swimming pools are off limits.

Dress Code

  • All participants must follow the Summit dress code. Inappropriate attire will not be permitted.

Responsibilities

  • Chaperones and TDH staff are responsible for enforcing rules to ensure a safe, secure environment.
  • Groups are financially responsible for any property damage.

This Page Last Updated: March 27, 2026 at 10:29 AM