Beaverton, Ore.—Tonight Washington County voters said yes to protecting youth from the dangers of tobacco use. Voters defeated Measure 34-314, an attempt by tobacco manufacturers and retailers led by Plain Pantry, to halt implementation of a law that ends the sale of flavored tobacco products in Washington County. By defeating this measure, Washington County remains the only county in Oregon to prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored e-cigarettes. Nationally, one state and at least 150 localities have ended the sale of menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products.
The following statement is from the Flavors Hook Oregon Kids coalition led by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Kaiser Permanente:
"We are grateful to Washington County voters for upholding this law and seeing through Big Tobacco’s smoke-screen campaign as merely an attempt to protect their profits.
"For decades, Big Tobacco has ruthlessly targeted our communities, using flavors like chocolate, cotton candy and minty sweet menthol to prey on youth to become the next generation of tobacco users. In fact, 80% of youth who have ever used tobacco start with a flavored product, and 85% of current teen e-cigarette users report using a flavored one. It’s clear: Flavors hook kids. That’s why tobacco companies like R.J. Reynolds and Altria, which owns Juul, funded the campaign to try and repeal this law.
“"Voters have shown overwhelming support for ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. By defeating Measure 34-314, we have taken a big step to protect youth and our communities for years to come. We now look forward to working with other counties across Oregon to stand up to Big Tobacco and end the sale of all flavored tobacco products."
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
About the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund are the leading advocacy organizations working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fun is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization separate from, but affiliated with, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Through strategic communications and policy advocacy campaigns, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund work to change public attitudes about tobacco and promote proven policies that are most effective at reducing tobacco use and save the most lives. The two organizations work closely together to achieve the greatest impact.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
