Photo: Simon Kadula on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 1, 2025

Cook County Public Health and Human Services is offering a paid opportunity for youth aged 17-20 to participate in the "Congratulate and Educate" project, which aims to reduce the sale of commercial tobacco products to youth. Participants will receive a $40 gift card for each store they visit. The project is a partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Department and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. 

As part of the project, trained youth will visit licensed tobacco retailers to attempt to purchase commercial tobacco. Cook County Public Health and Human Services Public Health Educator Andrea Orest shared, "retailers that do not sell to the youth are congratulated for their behavior.  Retailers who sell to the youth receive education on how to come into compliance with commercial tobacco regulations from a public health staff member."

Parental permission is required for 17-year-olds to participate. 

For questions or to express interest, please email Andrea Orest at [email protected] or call Public Health at 218-387-3605.