Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced that Illinois will utilize $24 million from the 2023 Juul Labs settlement to advance efforts by Truth Initiative, a leading nonprofit organization in vaping prevention, to educate and assist youth in quitting vaping. These funds will support the implementation of Truth Initiative’s EX Program, the Vaping: Know the Truth curriculum, and a targeted media campaign across Illinois.
The EX Program, developed by Truth Initiative alongside Mayo Clinic, is an evidence-based resource designed to help young people quit nicotine. Raoul elaborated on the urgency of addressing vaping among youth in Illinois, stating, “E-cigarette use is an ongoing epidemic among youth in Illinois as flavored, disposable vaping products that appeal to teens and youth have flooded the market nationwide."
A media campaign will aim to inform Illinois youth about the risks of vaping and the resources available to help them quit. Additionally, the Vaping: Know the Truth curriculum, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and the American Heart Association, will be provided to Illinois schools through EVERFI. This educational program is tailored for middle and high school students, fostering a vape-free lifestyle.
Kathy Crosby, CEO and President of Truth Initiative, emphasized the importance of the settlement, stating, “This settlement with Juul presents a pivotal opportunity to redirect funds toward evidence-based programs that empower young people to quit vaping and prevent future addiction.”
Events at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Knox College in Galesburg will be part of this campaign to promote quitting vaping and engage young people in the EX Program. Participants will be encouraged to share personal stories about quitting vaping and its benefits.
Since its inception, Truth Initiative has pursued its mission to prevent youth nicotine addiction and provide resources for cessation. The organization also focuses on policy studies and addressing tobacco use in high-risk populations. Their comprehensive programs, including the EX Program available via text and online, have assisted many in quitting nicotine effectively.
Attorney General Raoul’s involvement in combating youth e-cigarette use dates back to a 2019 lawsuit against Juul Labs Inc., citing the company's targeted marketing to minors. As a result, a significant $462 million settlement was reached, allowing for the execution of this statewide initiative in Illinois.