Western New York receives over $8.8 million to help combat youth vaping epidemic

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Western New York received over $8.8 million to help combat the youth vaping epidemic, New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office announced Friday. The funds come from a historic $462 million settlement with JUUL for its role in the dangerous rise of underage e-cigarette use.

The $8.8 million, which will go to WNY counties, BOCES and the Buffalo City School District, will be used for "evidence-based measures to combat underage vaping and e-cigarette addiction." The funds must be dedicated to one of the following categories:

• Public education campaigns to prevent e-cigarette use among young people.
• Community, school, and university-based anti-vaping programs.
• Vaping cessation services in communities, schools, and colleges.
• Enforcement of vaping laws and regulations.
• Public health research into e-cigarette use among young people and the effectiveness of anti-vaping programs.

Additionally, JUUL will make significant changes to its sales and marketing tactics as part of the settlement.

James sued JUUL in 2019 over the company's deceptive and misleading marketing that "glamorized vaping and targeted young people" and eventually settled with it in April 2023, securing a multistate agreement.

“JUUL knowingly ignited a nationwide public health crisis, luring young people in with flashy colors and flavors,” James said in a release. “E-cigarettes are deeply addictive and have severe health impacts on our youth. My office’s historic settlement holds JUUL accountable for the harm they’ve caused our kids and the $8.8 million that Western New York leaders will receive will help fight the youth vaping epidemic."

The breakdown of funds for Western New York is:

Counties

• Allegany County - $322,931.56
• Cattaraugus County - $467,578.61
• Chautauqua County - $804,688.01
• Erie County - $3,311,394.60
• Niagara County - $1,062,901.15

School Districts / BOCES

• Buffalo City School District - $504,879.27
• Cattaraugus-Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES - $269,781.45
• Erie 1 BOCES - $1,068,780.83
• Erie 2-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua BOCES - $563,121.77
• Orleans-Niagara BOCES - $507,353.46