Letter to the Editor: Westchester tobacco ban is big step forward

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To the Editor:

The November 29, 2022, news article announcing that Westchester legislators voted to end the sale of flavored tobacco products is a big step forward in public health protection. 80% of youth who have ever used tobacco report that the first product they tried was flavored. Additionally, for decades, the tobacco industry has used menthol cigarettes to target vulnerable populations, including youth, African Americans, and the LGBT community. Menthol makes tobacco use easier to start and harder to quit.

To help those who might use this change as an opportunity to try to quit smoking altogether, there are plans in the works to set up local cessation programs at healthcare organizations located in Westchester County. There are also many free, evidence-based resources currently available on the American Lung Association’s website and through the NYS Smokers’ Quitline 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).

Removing these flavored tobacco products from store shelves shows a strong commitment to public health protection and is worth celebrating. Congratulations Westchester!

Sincerely,

Susan E. Lennon CTTS
Manager | Health Promotions
American Lung Association/Center for a Tobacco-Free Hudson Valley
237 Mamaroneck Ave. Suite 205 | White Plains, N.Y. 10605

The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Mid-Hudson News.




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