Portland, OR. – Yesterday, Washington County Circuit Court ruled against an existing ordinance to end the sale of flavored tobacco in the county.
The following can be attributed to Jamie Dunphy, Oregon director of government relations for ACS CAN:
“This decision by the Circuit Court against Washington County’s ordinance to end the sale of flavored tobacco products is not only disappointing, but short sighted and against the interest of public health.
“Menthol, other candy- and fruit-flavored tobacco products are a key part of the tobacco industry’s strategy to entice our youth into a potential lifetime of addiction. Research shows that flavors drive the unprecedented increase in youth tobacco uptake, with 81% of kids who have ever tried tobacco starting with a flavored product.
“ACS CAN remains committed to supporting the Washington County Board of Commissioners in building a healthier and more equitable environment for our children, friends and neighbors by ending the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products, without exception.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives fro