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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThank you for your recent editorial encouraging Gov. Holcomb and Indiana lawmakers to take immediate action to protect Hoosier kids from e-cigarettes [Lawmakers must tax e-cigarettes to discourage youth vaping, Sept. 6].
According to the Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey released Aug. 29 by the State Department of Health, more than 65,000 Indiana high school students are using e-cigarettes. That’s enough to fill Lucas Oil Stadium.
In addition, more than 14,000 middle school students—kids as young as 12— are using the devices.
As chairman of the American Heart Association’s board of directors in Indianapolis, I’m proud to say that our diligent work at the national level recently resulted in a court order mandating the FDA speed up the regulation process of e-cigarettes.
But it is clear that much more needs to be done, especially at state and local levels.
In Indiana, we need parents, students and advocates of all types to join the call to reduce the burden of tobacco products, especially e-cigarettes, on our youth.
Join us as we call on state and local leaders to enact comprehensive smoke-free ordinances, significantly increase the price of tobacco products, adequately fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs in all 92 counties, raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products, restrict the sale of flavor/menthol products, and eliminate use of e-cigarettes among youth.
Our kids are worth it.
Dr. Shawn Smith
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