Thumbs Up
To longtime ANR supporter Ed Branca for advocating on behalf of residents living in adult care facilities in Rockland County, New York. Because of his energetic and tenacious voice, on July 2nd a new local law will take effect: The Smoke-Free Adult Care Facilities Act (Local Law No. 2 of 2019). This law will protect residents from secondhand smoke exposure by prohibiting smoking in these facilities and certain other places in the county. Adult care facilities are group living facilities that house mainly adults who are living with mental health disabilities. This law was sponsored by Rockland County Legislator Harriet D. Cornell.
Thumbs Down
To JUUL (owned by tobacco giant Altria) who has added a site and marketing initiative complete with videos to specifically target sales to retired military personnel. It’s called “Heroes.” And while we think it’s true that the men and women who serve our county in the armed forces are indeed heroes, we take issue with targeting this group for addiction. Read more in this compelling post from Marine Corps Community Services and the UCSF tobacco documents about Big Tobacco history of targeting military service members and veterans.
Thumbs Up
To Sacramento, CA, and many other communities that are prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored vaping products, at all retailers without exceptions. See our list and map.
Thumbs Down
JUUL earned a double thumbs down this month as a study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that almost half of followers on the company’s Twitter handle were teenagers, aged 13-17, not yet old enough to purchase the products. Public health groups are calling on social media giants like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to end Big Tobacco’s scheme of paying social media influencers to entice teens to try their products. Read more.
