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Tobacco Control Program Newsletter |
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On April 1st, the HHS Reduction in Force eliminated the FDA Center for Tobacco Products and the CDC Office of Smoking and Health (OSH). The Virginia Tobacco Control Program (TCP) is 100 percent funded from a CDC grant through OSH. We are waiting for information on the continuation or elimination of our grant with current funding concluding on April 28th, 2025. The impact of this potential loss of funding would be particularly devastating to Virginia, that unlike other states, does not receive any state funding.
For 20 years, the Virginia TCP has provided critical resources for communities to help prevent and lower tobacco use, including free cessation services through Quit Now Virginia. The loss of funding will reverse years of progress the TCP has made in reducing health care costs as well as chronic illness and disease caused by tobacco and nicotine use.
We appreciate the concerns of many of our partners, especially since these are uncertain times for many in public health. We are grateful for our strong partnerships and the critical work that is being done in tobacco control throughout the state. We will keep you updated as we know more about the future of Virginia’s TCP. For more information, we compiled a detailed impact statement about our program.
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Meet Our TCP Partner: The National Behavioral Health Network Team – Champions for Behavioral Health and Wellness
The National Behavioral Health Network (NBHN) continues to lead innovative efforts to advance access to quality care by supporting the integration of mental health, substance use, cancer care, tobacco prevention and treatment across the country. As a CDC National Network, NBHN connects a community of individuals and organizations who are passionate about eliminating tobacco- and cancer-related disparities among individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.
Led by a dedicated team of public health professionals—including Alex Hurst, Samara Tahmid, and Zachary Prezotti, the NBHN team has launched a wide array of initiatives—from the Community of Practice sessions to national webinars, thought leadership spotlights, and resources such as one-pagers and toolkits that help translate science into action.
One of the most exciting ways to stay connected is by joining the NBHN Listserv, where members receive the latest updates on:
- Upcoming events and webinars
- New tools, training and resources
- Stories from the field and innovative practices
Stay tuned and be the first to hear about our work and how you can get involved by joining our listserv today!
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May 18th: No Menthol Sunday
No Menthol Sunday is The Center for Black Health & Equity’s annual call to action to highlight the detrimental impact commercial menthol tobacco products have on Black communities. Every third Sunday in May, we engage faith and community leaders to educate congregants about smoking, vaping, and the role of new menthol products and other flavors in initiating tobacco addiction.
As we push for action in implementing the law to remove menthol from tobacco products, we continue to hold the government accountable for supporting organizations that provide culturally competent resources for those struggling with tobacco addiction. Regardless of changes by the current administration, we remain committed to our goal.
This year, we take the lessons of this passage to not dwell on what may or may not have come to pass and use our previous efforts to strengthen the journey ahead. Every day is the chance to move forward in making our communities safer for ourselves and future generations. Together, we can clear the way for optimal health.
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Data Highlight
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April is Stress Awareness Month and serves as a reminder that many young people turn to nicotine to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. A 2022 report published by Truth Initiative showed 81% of e-cigarette users aged 15 to 24 reported they began vaping to decrease stress, anxiety or depression. Nicotine can increase stress levels and users often experience higher stress compared to non-users. In 2023, “feeling anxious, stressed” was the main reason reported by Virginia high schoolers as to why they vaped (2023 Virginia Youth Survey). Withdrawals associated with nicotine are a major factor contributing to these negative feelings and leads to a cycle of use that is difficult to break.  Encouragingly, 90% of young individuals who quit vaping reported feeling less stressed, anxious, or depressed according to the Truth Initiative. Quit Now Virginia has trained quit coaches who can help any, and all, individuals work through their nicotine withdrawals and fight back against cravings. Call, Text, or Connect online to plan your quit journey! Â
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News and Resources
A Message from NAQC - Commercial Tobacco Control Movement Faces Setback - The Health and Human Services (HHS) restructuring placed all staff at the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) on administrative leave, pending a reduction in force (RIF) as of June 2. We don’t yet know the full impact of these changes, but I wanted to share with you what we do know and what we, at NAQC, are monitoring in the short term.
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with Senators Durbin, Blumenthal and Markey, led a letter to the Trump Administration raising concerns about the impact the HHS reorganization and staff and program cuts will have on FDA’s and CDC’s ability to reduce tobacco use. A total of 18 Senators signed the letter.
Quitting Smoking: A Step Toward Better Mental Health - Contrary to the common belief that smoking helps manage stress, recent research continues to support that quitting smoking may actually improve mental health. A comprehensive review of studies published in the Cochrane Database found that individuals who quit smoking experienced a decrease in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who continued to smoke.Â
Truth Initiative is teaming up with Blip, a modern FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) brand, to make quitting more accessible for young adults. Through this new partnership, individuals who enroll in EX® Program, Truth Initiative’s free, proven-effective digital quit program, will receive 25% off Blip’s FDA-approved nicotine gum and lozenges. Together, these proven cessation approaches double the chances of quitting successfully.
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Free help to quit tobacco.
Quit Coaches available for support.
- www.QuitNowVirginia.org
- 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or text READY to 34191
- A free 24/7 service for all Virginians, 13 and older for all types of tobacco/nicotine.
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Free Vaping Resources for Teens, Young Adults, & their Support Circles.
- VapeFreeVA.org
- Find vaping prevention and cessation facts & tips
- Support Circle tips are for any adult concerned about vaping -- parents, guardians, educators, physicians, etc.
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Click the "Order Now" button below to request
brochures and other free resource materials!
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- Becoming a Tobacco Free Worksite,
- Referring your patients and clients proactively to Quit Now Virginia,
- Finding your local tobacco and nicotine coalition, or
- Scheduling a tobacco and nicotine related training for your staff or community.
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