PHAST—pronounced “fast”—is a youth coalition dedicated to Protecting Health And Slamming Tobacco by organizing peer education and advocacy projects in our schools, our communities, and throughout Stanislaus County with creative and collaborative style.

Background
PHAST was formed in August 2005 as a countywide youth coalition comprised of local chapters organized in four high schools including, Ceres, Oakdale, Orestimba, and Pitman High Schools.

Our current coalition membership includes more than 150 students from 13 high schools in Stanislaus County. These high schools include Allard, Central Valley, Ceres, Del Puerto, Denair, Dickens, Hughson, Oakdale, Orestimba, PACE, Pitman, Turlock, and Waterford.

The success of PHAST and its members relies strongly on the outstanding support and hard work of the staff and faculty advisors who have volunteered to lead and coordinate their campus chapter.

The PHAST Coalition is a partnership project of the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, Tobacco Education Program and the Stanislaus County Office of Education, Tobacco Use Prevention and Education Program. We are funded by Proposition 99 tobacco tax through the California Department of Health Services and the California Department of Education.

Coalition Goals
Build Peer Tobacco Education Skills by Participating in Training Events like the annual PHAST Tobacco Slam, Youth Quest, and local community advocacy trainings.

Conduct Peer Education Activities On-Campus through events like Red Ribbon Week, Great American Smokeout, Lose the Chew Day, Kick Butts Days, and through classroom presentations to our peers.

Conduct Education & Advocacy Activities within our communities including; Off-campus presentations to middle and elementary schools. Hosting educational booths at community events like Farmers Markets and parades. Participation in health promotion events like Turlock Family Fun Day and Relay for Life. Informing and educating civic organizations, community leaders, and elected officials on the importance of supporting tobacco prevention efforts in our community.

For more information email the Stanislaus County Tobacco Education Program or call 209-558-5657,
You may also email the Stanislaus County Office of Education or call 209-525-6901.