Erie 1 BOCES To Combat Youth E-Cigarette Use with Settlement Funds

Erie 1 BOCES plans to use money received in a historic multistate settlement with JUUL Labs Inc. to combat youth e-cigarette usage.

The organization will receive $1,068,780 as part of the $462 million dollar settlement secured by New York State and other states.

“On behalf of the Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Educational Services and Western New York school community at large, we are deeply thankful to the Attorney General for her commitment to safeguarding the health and academic success of our youth,” said Dr. Michael Capuana, Erie 1 BOCES District Superintendent/CEO. “With our longstanding history and shared dedication of supporting student wellbeing, these funds can be used as part of a comprehensive set of supports to address the whole child, further creating resources and awareness about addiction and the implication it has on our Western New York students. Together, we are committed to cultivating a supportive and healthier environment for our students to thrive.”

Money from the settlement will be used for evidence-based measures for combatting underage vaping and e-cigarette addiction, including public education campaigns to prevent usage among young people; community, school and university-based anti-vaping programs; vaping cessation services in communities and schools; enforcement of vaping laws; and regulations and public health research into e-cigarette usage among young people.

Erie 1 BOCES is one of multiple organizations in western New York that will share $8.8 million in settlement money to help reduce and prevent underage vaping.

“JUUL knowingly ignited a nationwide public health crisis, luring young people in with flashy colors and flavors,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “E-cigarettes are deeply addictive and have severe health impacts on our youth. My office’s historic settlement holds JUUL accountable for the harm they’ve caused our kids and the $8.8 million that Western New York leaders will receive will help fight the youth vaping epidemic. I thank the local leaders who will use these funds for education, prevention, enforcement, and research to ensure our kids are safe and healthy.”

More information about the settlement can be found at https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2024/attorney-general-james-announces-over-88-million-western-new-york-combat-youth.