The Nicotine Cessation and Prevention Department (NCPD) wants to wish everyone a happy Pride Month!

Recently, NCPD hosted Bethel’s local Teens Acting Against Violence (TAAV) group on our monthly radio program, Wellness Wednesday, in partnership with KYUK. The young activists at TAAV approached NCPD due to a discrepancy they have noticed for some time; the perception and treatment of LGBTQs in Bethel. Due to this, TAAV organized and is hosting the first Bethel Pride Parade this Saturday at the Cultural Center starting at 11:00 a.m. The route will take participants from the Cultural Center to YKHC and back. Activities, food and more information will be provided until 3:00 p.m. The event has a comprehensive smoke and tobacco-free policy, symbolizing a partnership between NCPD and TAAV. This allows all participants to enjoy a healthy event promoting pride.

Everyone is welcome to attend and NCPD encourages you to witness this historical event. We would also like to remind you that the Y-K Delta has always been a leader in Nicotine Prevention and Control within Alaska. Bethel was the first city in the state to pass a local, smoke-free ordinance and the first rural community to pass a sales tax on cigarettes. With this historic event, teens are now participating in making the Y-K Delta a healthier place to live!

Quyana!

-Aiden Keller, Nicotine Cessation and Prevention