Public commenters urge April 1 "Take Down Tobacco" day to spotlight youth vaping

Two public commenters used the meetings public-comment period to promote a national April 1 day of action aimed at reducing youth tobacco and vaping use.

Commenter 1, a public commenter, opened by saying, "April 1 is usually a day of silly prints and jokes, but this year it's also a day of action." The speaker described the initiative as "a national day of action to take down tobacco" and cited the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey as the source for their statistics.

Commenter 2, a public commenter, expanded on the call to action: "That translates to 1,600,000 kids. That's why this April 1, youth advocates across the country will rally together to stand up and speak out against the tobacco industry." The speaker urged residents to participate by holding events, posting on social media or contacting lawmakers.

Both speakers directed listeners to takedowntobacco.org for organizing materials and lists of suggested activities. Commenter 2 said, "There are a lot of ways to get involved. Visit takedowntobacco.org and check out some of the ways you and your friends can make your voices heard." The presenters repeatedly framed the effort as a response to youth vaping rates cited from the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

The figures cited in the remarks included an unclear phrasing from the speakers that "nearly 6 of middle and high school students reported vaping within the last month." The speakers also presented an estimate of "1,600,000 kids" as the numeric translation. The meeting transcript does not provide a precise percentage or an independent verification of the numeric conversion; the speakers attributed their statistics to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

No formal motion, directive, or vote relating to the topic was recorded in the meeting minutes; the statements were made during public comment and represented appeals from community advocates rather than an action by the governing body.