Washington County Makes Great Strides in Local Tobacco Control Policy

On Tuesday, October 19^th Washington County took a HUGE step towards becoming the first county in Oregon to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products.

The power of public health is the power of prevention. One of the best ways to reduce the number of tobacco-related deaths and disease is to deter people from using these products, especially youth. We know that flavors hook kids. The 2020 Oregon Tobacco Facts, released by the Oregon Health Authority, shows that products with flavors are more popular among youth and young adults compared to older adults. Nearly 70% of Oregon youth tobacco users use flavored tobacco compared to 18% of adults over the age of 25 who use tobacco. E-cigarettes are available in thousands of youths appealing flavors, including fruit, candy, mint and menthol. The overwhelming majority of youth e-cigarette users report using flavored products.

Washington County Commissioners answered the call of tobacco control advocates by passing policy to remove all flavored tobacco products from the shelves of all stores across the county.  We extend our most sincere thanks to Chair Harrington and Commissioners Fai and Treece for their support and vote to strengthen this ordinance by including all stores. And to all our local You’re the Cure advocates who lent their voice in support of this incredible policy, we still need you! The final hearing and vote for this important ordinance is Tuesday November 2^nd. If you haven’t messaged, the Commissioners yet on this issue and would like to before the final vote click here.