July 9, 2024 (DENVER) — Attorney General Phil Weiser announced today the distribution of $17.4 million to 42 schools, governmental entities, and non-profit organizations to combat the youth vaping crisis. These funds come from the attorney general’s multimillion-dollar settlement with e-cigarette manufacturer Juul Labs, Inc., and will support programs focused on education, prevention, and treatment of youth vaping, which may include mental and behavioral health services.
“By investing in these organizations, we are taking a critical step toward protecting our youth from the dangers of vaping. This funding will empower communities to educate our young people about the risks, implement preventive measures, and provide essential treatment for those affected,” explained Weiser. “Together, we can create a healthier future for our children and help them not turn to vaping in the first place.”
The grants were awarded through two programs: one for non-profits and government entities, and another for local education providers in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
Six million dollars was made available to non-profits and government entities through the Colorado Department of Law’s Combating Youth Vaping in Colorado Grant. The department received 31 grant applications requesting more than $18 million, with awards going to the following 12 programs:
- 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Diversion Lighthouse Program: $224,010 – This program will implement vaping education and prevention for youth in Mesa County, reaching underserved rural communities with evidence-based curriculums and community support.
- Boys & Girls Club in Colorado, Inc.: $855,979 – This initiative will prevent youth substance use through evidence-based programs, community engagement, and peer-led activities in 50 clubhouses across the state.
- Broomfield Public Health and Environment: $202,184 – The team will offer nicotine replacement therapy and peer support to help young people quit vaping, with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth.
- Denver Department of Public Health and Environment: $541,158 (pending) – Addressing youth vaping, the program will deliver trauma-informed counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and community engagement with support from a Youth Advisory Board.
- Mountain Youth: $500,000 – The project will address youth vaping in Eagle River Valley by providing prevention education, media campaigns, cessation programs, and youth-led initiatives.
- Jefferson County Public Health: $400,000 – A collaborative project will engage youth action boards and community partners to deliver education and cessation services for youth.
- Partners of Delta: Montrose and Ouray: $297161 – Mentors will support middle and high school students with behavioral issues through school-based programs focused on prevention education and personal development.
- Partners for Youth: $335487 – Supporting youth by connecting them with trusted adults; this initiative will engage them in Youth Action Councils and prevent substance use through positive development activities.
- Rocky Mountain Center for Health Promotion and Education: $800000 – Enhancing protective factors against youth substance use; the program will train adults to build strong connections with youth in family school community settings.
- Servicios de La Raza: $950000 – Deploying a bilingual cessation program for Latino youth; the organization will also launch a youth-led prevention campaign with educational outreach.
- University of Colorado/Colorado School of Public Health UpRISE: $544018 – Expanding a youth-led social justice movement for tobacco control; this initiative will provide educational programs build organizational partnerships engage diverse Youth Action Board
- Youth Healthcare Alliance: $350000 – School-based health centers collaborate alternative discipline model addresses within context understanding responding behavioral health needs
In addition; department collaborating CDE award local education providers next three years Forty school districts charter schools BOCES applied Vaping Education Prevention Grant programming starting fall semester providers awarded amounts first year:
Adams Arapahoe 28J -$140267 Alamosa RE 11J -$244968 Atlas Prep -$85000 AXL Academy -$238000 Bennett 29J -$218547 Center -$198098 Chavez/Huerta K12 Preparatory Academy -$46940 Colorado Military Academy -$117471 District 49 -$126961 Dolores County RE2 -$45681 Downtown Denver Expeditionary -$78000 DSST Schools -$114000 Eagle County RE50 -$213353 Elizabeth School District -$130217 Fountain 8 -$131009 Gunnison RE1J-$74534 Harrison 2-$253405 Lake County-$87543 Manco-$54300 Mapleton-$36681 Montrose County RE1J-$100000 New Legacy Charter-$71624 North Park R1-$187545 Pueblo County70-$127657 San Luis Valley BOCES-$273870 Sierra Grande R30-$100985 Southern Peaks Regional Treatment Center-$36181 Steamboat Springs RE2-$125635 Strasburg31J-$91500 Summit-$50000
“We are pleased to award this grant funding to fight the youth vaping crisis by providing resources for education prevention treatment our Colorado schools” said Colorado Education Commissioner Susana Córdova “Our goal is give local educators tools they need address health impacts”
Juul Labs Inc settlement reached resolving lawsuit company targeting marketing misrepresenting health risks products Colorado received nationwide Both grants part attorney general comprehensive multifaceted approach address immediate long-lasting implications Last month Weiser announced initiative boost school-community partnerships promote wellness statewide Applications granting opportunity open close early