PROTECT Act Aims to Address Youth E-Cigarette Epidemic

Strategic Insights -

The PROTECT Act, reintroduced by Senators Edward J. Markey, Richard Blumenthal, and Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, aims to combat the growing issue of youth e-cigarette addiction. The bill will provide $500 million over five years for research and education on the harms of tobacco products, identify effective messaging for teens and young adults, and allocate funds for prevention and reduction of youth e-cigarette use. The PROTECT Act is endorsed by various organizations, including the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PROTECT Act would establish a CDC initiative to fund research and education on the harms of tobacco products, with $500 million allocated over five years.
  • The bill would identify effective messaging aimed at teens and young adults to prevent e-cigarette use.
  • Funds would be allocated to state, local, tribal, and national organizations for preventing and reducing youth e-cigarette use through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts.
  • The bill is cosponsored by several senators and representatives, including Senators Ron Wyden, Sherrod Brown, and Sheldon Whitehouse.
  • Organizations supporting the PROTECT Act include the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes.
  • The PROTECT Act aims to address the youth e-cigarette epidemic, which has seen over 2.5 million middle and high school students report using e-cigarettes in the last 30 days, according to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

Statistics:

  • 2.5 million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the last 30 days, according to the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey.
  • The PROTECT Act would allocate $500 million over five years for research and education on the harms of tobacco products.
  • 80 failing grades from A to F for vaping prevention in Public Schools since 1986.

Sources:

  • Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)
  • Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
  • American Lung Association
  • American Heart Association
  • Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
  • Parents Against Vaping e-cigarettes
  • QuitDoc Foundation
  • Tobacco Free Partnership of Broward County
  • 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey