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Editor, News-Register:
As a teacher in West Virginia, I am deeply concerned about recent decisions to cut both federal and state funding for youth tobacco prevention and education programs. These cuts threaten decades of progress--and more importantly, endanger the health of the next generation.
I serve as a Raze adviser at Moundsville Middle School. In Raze, a youth-led movement against the tobacco industry, youth ambassadors across the state have played a vital role in educating students, shifting peer norms, and reducing youth tobacco use through grassroots activism and youth-led programs. Their success is measurable and meaningful.
Every day in my classroom, I witness the power of education to change lives. I have been a Raze adviser for more than 16 years. I have many seniors who come back and tell me they didn't give in to tobacco, they made it! Raze is making a difference in our school. The students love our meetings, activities and learning about the dangers of tobacco use. When students are equipped with accurate information and empowered to speak out, they make smarter choices. But without continued investment in prevention, we leave them vulnerable to an industry that aggressively markets flavored nicotine products and exploits loopholes to hook new users.
West Virginia already ranks among the highest in the nation for tobacco use among adults and youth. Cutting prevention programs will only deepen those disparities and increase long-term healthcare costs for everyone.
This isn't just a line item in a budget--it's a public health emergency.
I urge state leaders to protect kids by restoring funding for youth tobacco education in an upcoming special session.
Our students deserve better.
Their health, futures, and lives depend on it.
Suzanne Muncy
Teacher, RAZE Adviser
Moundsville Middle