Tobacco Free York County Coalition

The Tobacco Free York County Coalition, or TFYCC, is very active pushing back against commercial tobacco product marketing (including vapes and nicotine pouches) that is clearly targeting youth and young adults (under age 26 years old). TFYCC also helps promote the free South Carolina Tobacco Quitline resources for ages 13 years old and up, both via telephone and text message formats, at all of its community education events and online.
‍ TFYCC advocates for:
1) Policy Change: responsible levels of state-level taxation of all commercial tobacco products; statewide 100% indoor workplace tobacco-smoke & vape-aerosol exposure protection.
2) Systems Change: life skills education in York County middle schools, including the health harms of nicotine addiction.
3) Environment Change: zoning ordinances throughout York County to prohibit the location of new commercial tobacco product retailers innear-12 schools and/or to other commercial tobacco product retailers, especially in low-income neighborhoods.3) Environment Change: zoning ordinances throughout York County to prohibit the location of new commercial tobacco product retailers near to K-12 schools and/or to other commercial tobacco product retailers, especially in low-income neighborhoods.

‍Dr. David Keely, Chair, Tobacco Free York County Coalition

He/Him
Dr. David Keely has worked in family medicine in the York County area for over 40 years.
He graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, did his family medicine
residency training at the Medical University of South Carolina, and later continued his
education in public health & epidemiology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dr. Keely understands preventive health at the interface of primary care medicine & public health. He particularly has focused throughout his career on the way that commercial tobacco product use (including vapes) in a community affects the well-being of everyone. Dr. Keely manages
the Tobacco Free York County Coalition as it continues to promote commercial tobacco product use-cessation, as well as timely prevention-education, in achieving a healthier York County -- ultimately free of harmful nicotine addiction among our teens and pre-teens.

Macy Gates, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator

She/Her
Macy Gates is a licensed social worker (LMSW) with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Winthrop University. Macy has handled a number of responsibilities on the TFYCC Team over the past two years. Most notably she has been coordinating our community education and advocacy events for our zoning ordinance initiative to address the proliferation of tobacco product retail locations in close proximity to K-12 schools and popular parks & recreation areas frequented by youth under age 21.

Jasmine Williams, Social Media Manager

She/Her
‍Jasmine Williams is a senior majoring in integrated marketing communications at Winthrop University. With about two months of experience at TFYYC, she has been actively involved in social media management, marketing, and enhancing brand awareness. Post-graduation, her ambition is to pursue a career in the marketing sector within the Rock Hill/Charlotte area, aiming to contribute her skills to a marketing firm.

Sarah Landis, Outreach Member

She/Her
‍Sarah Landis has recently graduated from Winthrop University with her BSW and is now in pursuit of her MSW. Sarah’s practice has allowed her to learn how to empower others to make their own positive decisions, the importance of resources, and event planning. She intends to use the knowledge she has gained as well as her current curriculum to help engage with others. As an outreach member, she is dedicated to educating youth and parents on the effects of tobacco use.

Alexandria Newberry, Community Outreach & Education Specialist and Impact Analyst

She/Her
‍Alexandria Newberry is a social worker with a passion for service and social change. She is currently an MSW student at Winthrop University, where she is refining her skills in research, advocacy, and community engagement. With a deep commitment to empowerment, she works to bridge gaps in resources, educate communities, and analyze the impact of social programs. Post-graduation, she plans to continue conducting social work research and step into community development, using data-driven strategies to create sustainable change. Her work is guided by her faith and love for service!