Beaverton, Ore.—As ballots are mailed out starting Wednesday, April 27, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges Washington County voters to protect youth from Big Tobacco by voting “no” on Measure 34-314, which would repeal the county’s ordinance to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products. Last year, Washington County became the first county in Oregon to end the sale of flavored tobacco, and now the tobacco industry is funding the campaign to try and overturn this law.
The following is a statement from Jamie Dunphy, Oregon government relations director for ACS CAN:
"Big Tobacco is ruthless in attempts to entice future generations to its deadly products. The tobacco industry knows that flavors hook kids, which is why they target them with candy, fruit and minty sweet menthol flavored tobacco products including flavored e-cigarettes, meant to lure them into a lifetime addiction. Research shows that flavors drive the unprecedented rise in overall youth tobacco use, with more than 80% of youth who have ever used tobacco starting with a flavored product.
"Nicotine is highly addictive and especially harmful to young people as it can harm brain development, and impact attention, mood and impulse control, and tobacco use puts youth at risk for serious health conditions like cancer and heart disease. We can’t let Big Tobacco continue putting kids in harm's way.
"Big Tobacco knows that ending the sale of flavored tobacco products will hurt their financial bottom line. That’s why tobacco companies like RJ Reynolds and Altria, which owns e-cigarette giant JUUL, are funding this campaign to try and repeal Washington County’s flavored tobacco ordinance. We can’t let them win.
"Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products will help save lives and reduce tobacco use. ACS CAN urges all Washington County voters to vote NO on Measure 34-314 to protect kids from Big Tobacco."
###
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.