March 26, 2020
This week NAATPN celebrates a major win for the health of African Americans! In a 213-195 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act which finally bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products–including menthol! For decades, NAATPN has educated communities and policy makers about the benefit that restrictions on the sale of mentholated tobacco products would have on minority communities and youth.
We have fought misinformation driven by the tobacco industry and urged communities to stand against such threats to our health. With the passing of this bill, an important battle has been won. Yet, this is no moment to rest. We are prepared to continue ground-level efforts until the Senate comes to the same conclusions. Flavors like menthol have no place in ANY tobacco products ever.
