end youth tobacco use

The American Heart Association Applauds Governor Raimondo’s Effort to Remove Flavored E-Cigarettes as First Step to Protect Youth

Statement from Megan Tucker, Director of Government Relations, 


American Heart Association

“We applaud Governor Raimondo for her thoughtful and deliberate approach in response to the current epidemic of youth e-cigarette use that is threatening the health of Rhode Island children.  We urge the State Department of Health to prepare evidence-based Emergency Regulations and recommendations for a permanent solution that prevents youth and The American Heart Association Applauds Governor Raimondo’s Effort to Remove Flavored E-Cigarettes as First Step to Protect Youthadolescents from tobacco use and nicotine addiction.

“We urge state decisionmakers to take the governor’s lead and embrace a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to stop the industry from targeting our kids with any flavored tobacco product.  This includes eliminating the sale of all flavored tobacco products; raising the sale age for all tobacco products to 21; levying a tax on electronic cigarettes that is on par with Rhode Island’s tobacco excise tax; and, adequately investing in prevention and cessation programs through the Department of Health.  As the Department of Health convenes the Advisory Group requested by the governor, we hope that the scope will be expanded to focus not only on Vape products but all nicotine products.

We look forward to working closely with the Governor and General Assembly on a permanent solution to this public health emergency.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Samantha Bowen
(401) 228-2324 (o)
[email protected]