Flavors lead to use by youths

To the editor:

On Sunday, May 17, many churches made the decision to observe No Menthol Sunday as a congregation.

This event started as a way to highlight the marketing tactics of tobacco companies to specific populations, and now represents an educational avenue to learn about flavored tobacco products, as well as an outrage about the ways that tobacco companies market to our youth and other specific populations.

There are so many facts and figures that show the significant increase in tobacco use as a result of flavors, like menthol, being created to market to our children and, in turn, also being used by the adult population. However, the most significant statistic shows that 97% of youth that use e-cigarettes also use flavors, most of which expressed that they would not have started using tobacco products if flavors were not available. Because menthol exists, a new generation of tobacco users has begun and contributes to the now decades worth of marketing to vulnerable populations, black communities being the most commonly targeted. 

As congregations gathered May 17, their goal was to focus on the theme of "Awaken!" that encouraged them to not be deceived by the ill intentions of others and focused specifically on Ephesians 5:5-15. Because when it comes to protecting our young people and our most vulnerable communities, we must not grow weary or turn a blind eye.

The month of May is the perfect time to raise our consciousness about these important issues. When people of faith remain vigilant, educate youth and inspire community action, we will begin to move toward total health justice.

If you would like to read more about menthol facts, statistics, regulations and marketing, please visit the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition's website at jcdpc.org.

Sydney Haines

Tobacco prevention coordinator

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition