POWR Against Tobacco

10/23/2025

According to the most recent NYS Youth To***co Survey, nearly 90% of high school e-cigarette users are using FLAVORED products, despite the 2020 law prohibiting the sale of these items.

As always, thank you for steadfast leadership on these issues Jewel Williams Johnson.

Flavored v**es are banned in New York—but some retailers are finding ways around the law. 👀

Closing that loophole in Westchester County is critical so flavored ni****ne products aren’t “an open invitation to youth." Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson proposed legislation at Monday night's Board meeting that puts public health first.

10/22/2025

Thinking about quitting va**ng? Join DropTheVape. No pressure, no judgment. Learn more about this program and why it works at DropTheVape.org

10/22/2025

10/22/2025

Thank you to County Executive Jenkins for allowing us to share vital information about the dangers associated with to***co and ni****ne products.

A highlighter? A pen? A USB drive? Nope – a v**e. Protecting the health and safety of Westchester County’s youth, County Executive Ken Jenkins announced legislation that would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and va**ng products designed to look like everyday items.

Jenkins said: “These products are disguised as smartphone cases, toys, drink containers, backpacks, and other common items. While they may appear harmless, these devices are intended to attract young people and make it easier for them to access ni****ne. This legislation is about protecting our children and keeping Westchester safe and healthy.”

The proposed law would:

Ban the sale, offer for sale, or transfer of e-cigarettes or va**ng products that resemble school supplies or personal items.
Establish fines ranging from $300 to $1,500 for violations, with increasing penalties for repeat offenses.
Authorize the Westchester County Board of Health to enforce the law.
The legislation reflects growing concern over deceptive marketing practices aimed at youth and aligns with Westchester County’s ongoing efforts to reduce ni****ne use among minors.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/yZqX50XgtpT

10/20/2025

10/17/2025

Dr. Andrew Hyland, director of the NYS Quitline and chair of Health Behavior at Roswell Park, joins Spectrum News 1 to talk about DropTheVape.

10/17/2025

🌈 Silver Connections Lunch & Learn: The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health

Tue, Oct 28 • 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
@ The LOFT — 252 Bryant Ave, White Plains, NY 10605

Cancer affects more than the body—it touches our minds, relationships, and daily life. Join us for a supportive Lunch & Learn with Linda Machuca, M.A. (Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT) to discuss disparities, barriers to care, and practical coping tools for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Free • 55+ • Lunch provided
👉 RSVP: https://shorturl.at/hoNR7
❓ Questions: alicia@theloftcenter.org

10/17/2025

🚭 Seen Enough To***co Day kicked off on Monday, and we’ve had an inspiring week of activities ever since!

🎨 Our Reality Check Coordinator, Katie, teamed up with a talented art class at Spring Valley High School to create powerful anti-to***co pieces using illustration, graphic design, and other creative mediums.

✉️ She also visited Christian Harmony School in Middletown, where students learned how to write personalized letters to their elected officials about va**ng, to***co waste, and youth-targeted to***co marketing.

We’re so proud of these young advocates and their voices for change!

07/17/2025

A new study finds that ni****ne pouches are quickly becoming a leading cause of ni****ne poisoning in young children.

Since 2020, there has been a 760% increase in young children accidentally ingesting ni****ne pouches.

⚠️ Ni****ne is highly toxic, especially for young children.

⚠️ Even small doses can result in poisoning.

⚠️ Ni****ne Toxicity can result in nausea, vomiting, seizures, and other serious health consequences.

⚠️ Kids who ingest pouches are twice as likely to be hospitalized than those exposed to ni****ne another way.

⚠️ These products often come in sweet flavors and attractive packaging, making them all the more dangerous to kids!

📞 If a child is exposed to ni****ne call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222

Source: Ni****ne Ingestions Among Young Children: 2010-2023. Pediatrics. 2025 https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-070522

Ni****ne pouches are now a fast-growing source of ni****ne poisoning in young children, according to a new study.