Colorado is taking a bold stance against vaping, as it pours millions into new initiatives that are combating teen nicotine usage.
Millions Against Youth Vaping
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office has distributed $17.4 million in funding to schools and relevant non-profit organizations around the state, to boost the fight against youth vaping.
Follow On From Settlement
This funding comes from a nationwide multimillion-dollar settlement with major e-cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs, Inc., over marketing practices aimed at teenagers.
$30 Million Awarded
The settlement saw Colorado receive more than $30 million, half of which will now be used to fund campaigns against youth vaping across the state, according to the office’s Tuesday news release.
Schools, Non-Profits, Government
42 schools, government entities, and nonprofit organizations will receive support from the fund. $11.4 million will go to local education providers, and $6 million will go to nonprofits and government entities.
Different Strategies
The money will be used in different ways by these organizations, with some using it to boost awareness and anti-vaping campaigns, and others helping youth to break their pre-established habits.
Helping to Break the Habit
“Some of the grants are going to be more helping those who are already struggling with vaping break this painful habit,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Creating Awareness
“Others are going to be creating more awareness in terms of risks of vaping, and others are going to be helping young people find trusted adults, trusted peers who they can talk to when they are hurting, so they don’t turn to vaping,” he said.
A Growing Problem
Statistics show that vaping is becoming an increasing problem for youth in Colorado, with the potential to have serious health ramifications for the state in the future.
30% Have Tried It
According to the state Department of Public Health and Environment’s 2021 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, 30% of Colorado high schoolers have tried vaping.
More Than Smoking
This is significantly higher than the estimated number of students who have tried smoking a cigarette, which sits at just 20.8%.
The Most Enticing Nicotine Product
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now report that children and teenagers are more likely to experiment with vapes and e-cigarettes over any other tobacco products.
Time to Fight
The problem is only becoming more common across the country, and for people like Angie Kogovsek of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, it’s high time that the federal and state governments prioritized the problem.
Lack of Resources
“Right now there’s just not a lot of resources out there for people under 18,” said Kogovsek. According to her, the lack of funding has stunted the ability of non-profits and healthcare organizations to get to the root of the issue.
Is Mental Health the Key?
“We know that mental health is a big piece of why they are using,” Kogovsek added. Now, some of this million-dollar funding is expected to go directly to mental and behavioral health services.
Critical Health Effects
Finding the causes that draw young people to vaping is an important step in preventing nicotine addiction, which can not only have long-term health effects but also has a “critical” impact on how young people learn and develop.
Learning Difficulties and Development
“Young people who start using nicotine experience difficulties with things like learning, with memory, with concentration, with being able to pay attention, all things that are really critical,” Thomas Ylioja, a spokesperson for National Jewish Health.
“A Critical Step”
“By investing in these organizations, we are taking a critical step toward protecting our youth from the dangers of vaping,” Weiser added. “This funding will empower communities to educate our young people about the risks, implement preventive measures, and provide essential treatment for those affected.”
Targeting Youth Mental Health
Aside from the $17.4 million funding for schools and organizations, a portion of the $30 million settlement will go toward programs that target youth mental health and directly help children and teenagers already struggling with debilitating mental health issues.
$462 Million Payout
Colorado will not be the only state to take a big win from the Juul Labs Inc. settlement. Last year the e-cigarette manufacturer agreed to pay $462 million over allegations that it marketed its products to underage minors, and heavily downplayed the health risks associated with vaping.
Six States and Washington D.C
The eyewatering settlement sum was paid out to New York, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. These other six states and districts will likely fund similar initiatives with the settlement money.
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The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
