Youth from Coxsackie and Athens are participating in a sack race on April 1 to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping, as part of National Take Down Tobacco Day. The event is aimed at holding the tobacco industry accountable for marketing flavored e-cigarettes to young people and encouraging nicotine addiction among youth.
The initiative matters because it addresses how marketing strategies targeting children with candy-flavored products have contributed to ongoing youth nicotine use. Organizers say that activities like these educate communities about the impact of such tactics on local youth.
Tobacco Free Action Communities (TFAC) in Columbia and Greene, Columbia Greene Addiction Coalition, and the Mental Health Association’s Youth Clubhouse are hosting the event. “Youth addiction to nicotine is no accident,” said Jade Goodman, Reality Check Coordinator of TFAC Columbia Greene. “Kid-friendly flavors and, more recently, the addition of digital entertainment right on e-cigarette cartridges attract and addict our youth. At events like these our organization educates local communities about the impact tobacco industry marketing has on our young people.”
Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action is an annual advocacy day led by young people across the country to spotlight aggressive tobacco industry marketing practices using appealing flavors. According to a 2024 New York Youth Tobacco Survey, while fewer young people are using tobacco than before—with usage dropping from 27.4% in 2018 to 13.1% in 2024—17% of high school students still use some form of tobacco, primarily e-cigarettes.
A University of Southern California study found that mint, tropical fruits, and dessert were among youths’ favorite e-cigarette flavors in 2019. A new trend involves adding digital features such as touch screens or games—so-called "smart vapes"—which organizers say increases their appeal but also raises concerns about dependency.
“It’s well documented that nicotine harms the adolescent brain,” said Jennifer Reilly Bluma, Community Engagement Coordinator at TFAC Columbia Greene, “and that the e-cigarette aerosol inhaled into the lungs contains toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Tobacco companies continue to make claims about e-cigarettes that are unproven by medical research.”
The American Lung Association supported groundbreaking research contributing to advancements in lung disease treatment and prevention according to the official website. The association also extended its influence nationwide via local offices and community initiatives addressing lung diseases according to its official website. It received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for fiscal management and commitment to accountability according to its official website. Harold Wimmer served as president and CEO according to its official website.
Community members are encouraged by organizers to support National Take Down Tobacco Day efforts locally or online through social media campaigns.
