TOPS Mission

“To reduce the harmful effects of tobacco on Stanislaus County residents. Together we educate youth and adults on the health risks of tobacco, empower communities to take a stand for wellness, and promote tobacco-free spaces.

Did you know?

  • Tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States.

  • Tobacco kills, on average 1,200 Americans every day.

  • Secondhand smoke kills 38,000 Americans every year.

  • There are over 240 tobacco retailers in the city of Modesto.

SB793 was a law that was implemented in December 2022. This law was voted on by California voters to eliminate the sale of flavored tobacco products. Products that are illegal to sell include flavored (sweet/fruit) and menthol products.

A tobacco prevention program in Stanislaus County conducted undercover secret shopping at 141 Modesto Tobacco Retailers and found that 35% of retailers are still selling illegal flavored tobacco products.

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“In Stanislaus County alone, there are over 500 tobacco retailers. 16% of schools are close to a store that sells tobacco.”

— The MODESTO bee (2017)

TOPS Goals

  1. Increase resources to sustain wellness.

  2. Build a diverse and skilled coalition.

  3. Increase community ability to engage in policy change.

Sources (updated March 2024):

CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/media/2023/corrective-statements

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Retrieved from CDTFA 2023)