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Oklahoma state officials announced this week that tobacco sales to minors are on the rise, and the increase is putting millions of dollars in federal funding in jeopardy. If more than one-fifth of the state's tobacco retailers receive citations for selling tobacco to minors, approximately $7 million, or 40 percent, of federal substance abuse block grant funds could be revoked. According to recent ABLE statistics, 18.1 percent of tobacco retailers were found to have sold tobacco to minors, a dramatic increase from 8.5 percent two years ago.

Commissioner Terri White of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services commented: "Thousands of Oklahomans' lives are at risk and millions of dollars needed for treatment services are in jeopardy. ... That's the frustrating part. These 20 percent of retailers are putting critical services at risk. ... Already, we can't provide enough services for the estimated 250,000 Oklahomans who need drug or alcohol treatment services. In a tough economic climate, this will further the decline and cause undue hardship on individuals, their families and communities."

(Sources: www.Tulsaworld.com)

Labels: oaklahoma, tobacco

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According to the Healthy Youth Survey, a survey taken every two years by students in Washington State, many youth are still regularly using alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Approximately 20 percent of 10th graders reported having five or more drinks in a row (binge drinking) at least once in the past two weeks, and about 10 percent of 10th and 12th grade students reported using a prescription painkiller to get high.

Another interesting finding of the study included the fact that 41 percent of 8th graders who drink reported getting alcohol from home, and 24 percent said that their parents have not talked to them about alcohol and associated risks.

Approximately 210,000 students participated in this year's survey. Washington State Secretary of Health Mary Selecky commented on the findings, "This survey is a snapshot of what's going on with youth in our state. ... We're working hard to help kids make the right choices for their health. When they develop healthy habits early in life it provides an excellent foundation as they become adults."

Labels: drugs, alcohol, tobacco

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

A west Texas group, the Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, recently received a grant from the State for $39,000 to help combat teen use of chewing tobacco. According to an article appearing on the website of a local news station, Texas teens are using chewing tobacco at alarming rates, and on average they are starting by age 13. Vella Connley, a representative of the council, commented:

"Everybody talks about lung cancer and smoking cigarettes, but this is just as deadly. ... I can tell you in Ector and Midland County, 20% of the population does use tobacco." (Source: www.newswest9.com)

Labels: tobacco, prevention

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