Tobacco Education and Prevention Program

The Weld County Tobacco Education and Prevention Program (WCTEPP) works to reduce tobacco-related disease and death throughout Weld County by:

• Expanding access to resources to quit for people who want to stop using tobacco or nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches.
• Providing education and prevention programs for youth and young adults to discourage initiation and connect young people with culturally relevant cessation support.
• Empowering parents, educators, and other trusted adults through education, awareness, and skill-building opportunities.
• Promoting clean air policies and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke across the community. 

Source: 2022 Key Findings Weld Community Health Survey; 2025 Weld County Community Health Assessment Survey Data; https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.html.

We honor and respect the traditional use of tobacco by many Native American and Indigenous cultures throughout the region. Traditional tobacco is often used for sacred, ceremonial, and cultural purposes and is distinct from commercial tobacco and nicotine products.

At the same time, we recognize the significant health risks associated with commercial tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. Through education and open conversation, we aim to help community members understand the difference between traditional and commercial tobacco while support efforts to protect and improve public health.

Cathy Hoover is the Substance Use and Injury Prevention Programs (SIPP) manager at the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. Since joining the department in July 2024, she has overseen five SIPP programs, including the A35 Tobacco Education and Prevention Program, FDA Tobacco Control Program, Communities That Care, Substance Use Prevention Program and the Child Fatality Program.

Within WCTEPP, Cathy supports ongoing secondhand smoke and clean air initiatives while providing leadership on evidence-based tobacco prevention and education efforts. She brings extensive public health experience from her previous role managing the Violence and Injury Prevention Program at the Wyoming Department of Health and is passionate about upstream prevention strategies that improve long-term health outcomes.

Cathy earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Western Governors University and a Master of Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health with a concentration in global and community health education. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new playgrounds and restaurants with her husband and two young daughters.

Heather Mortenson is the Tobacco Education and Cessation specialist for the WCTEPP team. Since joining the program in September 2024, Heather has brought valuable tobacco prevention and cessation experience from both county-level public health work and her time counseling tobacco users through the Colorado Quitline.

Heather began her higher education journey in Munich, Germany, later earning her bachelor’s degree in international political science from the University of Colorado and her Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Alabama. Heather previously served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, delivering evidence-based sexual wellness education. Most recently, she worked on COVID-19 response efforts at the Adams County Health Department, formerly known as Tri-County Health. Outside of work, Heather enjoys playing games with her friends and family and spending time on creative activities.

Giovanna Castro is the Youth Prevention and Tobacco-Free Schools educator for WCTEPP. Gio’s role focuses on supporting Weld County school districts in creating and maintaining tobacco-free environments and preventing the initiation of tobacco and nicotine use among youth. She is passionate about empowering youth and community members through education, advocacy and connection to resources and care.

Gio holds a bachelor’s degree in health care administration and management from Colorado Christian University and a Master of Public Health from Grand Canyon University. She brings valuable experience in direct patient care and social services, drawing on skills from previous roles to highlight the importance of prevention in tobacco and nicotine use. Outside of work, you can find Gio spending time with her friends and family, collecting gemstones or reading something interesting.