More than 150 teens from across New York, including five students from Columbia and Greene counties, gathered at SUNY Oswego for the All-Around New York Youth Summit, according to a July 15 announcement. The three-day event aimed to inform and inspire young people to address the ongoing influence of tobacco industry marketing in their communities.
Despite a decline in youth vaping rates in New York—from 18.7% in 2022 to 13.1% in 2024—e-cigarettes remain the most used tobacco product among high school students, with more than one in ten still using them. Nicotine pouch use has also doubled during this period, based on data from the 2024 New York Youth Tobacco Survey. The summit focused on equipping participants with leadership, communication, and mobilization skills through workshops and storytelling exercises.
The local attendees included Malia Grant (Hudson Central School District), Bella Davis (Ichabod Crane Central School District), Jada Pernetti (homeschooled in Hudson), Becca Hamm (Ichabod Crane CSD), Lay Lay Davis (Ichabod Crane CSD), and Jade Goodman, Reality Check Coordinator. These students are part of Reality Check of Tobacco Free Action Communities in Columbia & Greene Counties—a program funded by the state's Department of Health that supports youth-led efforts against deceptive tobacco marketing tactics.
During the summit, teens planned activities designed to raise awareness about how industry tactics normalize tobacco use by marketing sweet-flavored and low-cost products that appeal especially to young people. Their goal is also to help current users quit by challenging these practices locally.
Tobacco Free Action Communities in Columbia & Greene is a program of the American Lung Association working alongside local agencies and individuals to reduce tobacco use prevalence and promote healthier communities. The American Lung Association supports research into lung disease treatment and prevention; extends its influence nationwide through local offices; maintains a four-star rating for fiscal management; works on education and advocacy efforts; is led by Harold Wimmer as president and CEO; and expands its impact via community initiatives, according to the official website.
