Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Doug Hogan
FRANKFORT, KY – “As lawmakers kick off for the 2025 legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network urges legislators to prioritize proven youth tobacco prevention measures and programs that help those already addicted quit.
“By directing future JUUL Settlement funds to fact-based tobacco prevention programs, Kentucky has an opportunity to address the e-cigarette epidemic and protect our middle and high school students from deadly and addictive tobacco products. A well-funded tobacco cessation and prevention program is essential to provide the support needed to help people quit and to prevent kids and young adults from starting to use tobacco.
“As Big Tobacco has been working hard to addict future generations with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, the need for funding for tobacco prevention programs has never been greater. Tobacco companies are spending $251.0 million per year just in Kentucky to market tobacco products—and their deceitful tactics are working, as more than 20.5% of high school students currently use tobacco products.
“In Kentucky, tobacco use is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death, and smoking is linked to at least 12 types of cancers. Each year, more than 8,900 Kentuckians die from a smoking-related disease.”