LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Blue Zones Project - Lake County supported the 2024 Hope Rising Innovation Summit, themed “Breaking Free,” which focused on commercial tobacco cessation.

Held at Lower Lake High School last month, the event brought together community leaders, health advocates, educators, and students to confront the ongoing challenges of commercial tobacco and vaping in Lake County, with a special emphasis on youth prevention and grassroots solutions.

This year’s summit, hosted in partnership with Adventist Health Clear Lake, featured powerful presentations, including remarks from Dr. Becky Salato, Konocti Unified School District superintendent, and Andrea McBride, a Lower Lake High School student. Both shared compelling and heartbreaking insights about the vaping epidemic impacting local schools, shedding light on the urgent need for solutions to protect the health and well-being of our youth.

Attendees also heard from Liberty Francis, Public Health project manager, who provided an overview of the county’s work in commercial tobacco prevention and cessation, showcasing innovative programs aimed at reducing tobacco use.

Community member Tammy Serpa shared her deeply personal journey as an ex-smoker, offering a message of hope and resilience while highlighting the importance of resources and community support in overcoming addiction.

Representatives from UCSF’s The Loop — Dr. Robynn Battle, Dr. Val Yerger, and Lou Moerner — delivered inspiring sessions on their work within marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in creating meaningful change.

Their expertise provided attendees with actionable strategies to address tobacco-related health disparities in Lake County.

To align with the Blue Zones Project's Power 9 principles, the summit featured Blue Zones-inspired meals, prioritizing fresh, plant-forward foods that support health and longevity. Attendees also had the chance to participate in a demonstration Moai (a small group activity that promotes movement and social connection), meeting on Main Street in Lower Lake, and walking together to the summit venue.

“Commercial tobacco cessation is critical for improving the health and quality of life in Lake County,” said Greg Damron, Public Policy Advocate for Blue Zones Project - Lake County. “Our community suffers deeply from the physical, emotional, and financial devastation the tobacco industry perpetuates. Events like this help us unite and take actionable steps toward a healthier future for everyone.”

The summit concluded with an uplifting presentation by Shelly Trumbo, Blue Zones EVP and Community Transformations Officer, who highlighted the strength and resilience of Lake County community members. She encouraged attendees to continue building on the progress made, using the Blue Zones Power 9 principles to create an even happier, healthier, community.

Blue Zones Project - Lake County reported that it remains committed to supporting initiatives like the Hope Rising Innovation Summit that align with its mission of promoting long-term well-being through sustainable change.

“Together, alongside partners like Adventist Health Clear Lake, we can help Lake County “break free” and move toward a tobacco-free future,” the organization said in its announcement.