Southern Tier counties to receive millions in settlement funds to combat youth vaping crisis fueled by JUUL.
The Southern Tier will receive over $4.5 million in funding to combat the youth vaping epidemic, thanks to a historic settlement with JUUL Labs. New York State secured a total of $112.7 million from the e-cigarette company for its role in targeting young people with addictive products. The funds will be distributed to counties, BOCES, and major cities across the state for programs aimed at preventing and reducing underage vaping.
Schuyler, Steuben, and Tompkins counties will share a portion of the $4.5 million allocated to the Southern Tier. The funds will support public education campaigns, anti-vaping programs in schools and communities, cessation services, enforcement of vaping laws, and research into youth vaping trends.
JUUL’s deceptive marketing tactics, which contributed to a surge in teen vaping, led to a nationwide health crisis. The company faced a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James for misleading consumers about the nicotine content and safety of its products. The settlement includes restrictions on JUUL’s marketing and sales practices, as well as financial penalties.
In addition to funding for vaping prevention efforts, libraries in Ontario and Wayne counties will receive communication boards to assist patrons with disabilities or language barriers. These boards feature pictures, letters, and numbers to facilitate communication.
