Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

CDC budget cuts are forcing states to reduce and even eliminate critical programs that prevent kids from using tobacco and help smokers quit. Unless Congress restores funding, more kids will become addicted and more lives will be lost. In West Virginia – the state with the highest rates of tobacco use – the Raze program has been eliminated despite its success in empowering youth to reject tobacco. We’re proud of our youth ambassador and Raze member Breanna Cutright for speaking out in this STAT story. As Breanna stated, “Why does no one see how important this is?” https://lnkd.in/emk-dZdh

West Virginia health advocates are urging the state’s members of Congress to support funding for the CDC’s lifesaving tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The CDC supports efforts in every state to protect kids and help smokers quit. These programs are especially critical in West Virginia, which has the highest rates of adult smoking and youth e-cigarette use in the nation. As this op-ed argues, “These prevention and cessation programs are the frontline defense against an industry constantly finding new ways to addict the next generation.” https://lnkd.in/e7cEYi8G

Youth advocate Ella Paligo of Utah is calling on state and federal lawmakers to put kids’ health before tobacco industry profits. “Bright packaging, candy flavors and flashy social media ads make e-cigarettes seem not only harmless but fun. But underneath the hype lies a dangerous addiction waiting to take hold – a trap I’ve watched far too many of my peers fall into.” https://lnkd.in/ePh4jDhh

Youth advocates in Minnesota are sounding the alarm: Big Tobacco is targeting their generation and policymakers at every level must act to protect kids. "Big Tobacco will do anything to grab our attention. They flood our communities with candy flavors, flashy devices and relentless marketing, all with the strategy of hooking kids early and keeping us addicted for life." It’s critical that Congress fund the CDC’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs, which support efforts in every state to protect kids and save lives. https://lnkd.in/eVFfXuRc

Lifelong Maine resident Kaitlyn Ross is urging the state’s members of Congress to support and fund critical CDC tobacco prevention programs that save lives: “We know these programs work. They have helped thousands of Mainers quit, prevented countless kids from starting, and saved millions of dollars in health care costs. Without them, Big Tobacco wins – and Maine families lose.” https://lnkd.in/eYr3U3n7

Concerned Alaskans like college student Anna Kardashyan are calling on the state’s members of Congress to support funding for lifesaving CDC and FDA tobacco control programs: “These aren’t faceless government initiatives. They are life-saving investments. They help people quit. They stop kids from starting. They prevent cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. And they reduce the crushing cost of health care.” https://lnkd.in/e5kgNurv