At Oregon PTA, our mission is to unlock every child’s potential by bringing families and communities together to advocate for our children. Our efforts cover a wide array of essential issues, from ensuring adequate school funding to addressing chronic absenteeism and navigating the impacts of school closures during COVID-19. These are all crucial areas that need our focus as we work towards creating a nurturing environment for every child.

Among these significant issues, the health and well-being of our youth take center stage. This focus drives our enthusiastic support for the Flavors Hook Oregon Kids campaign, a statewide effort aiming for a future free from the influence of flavored tobacco products.

As our students head back to school, an inspiring movement is blossoming across Oregon. Communities are stepping up, taking on the challenge of countering the tempting allure of flavored tobacco, which is marketed with flavors like Cool Mint, Cherry Dynamite, and Cotton Candy. These products have been targeting our young ones, but thanks to the dedicated efforts of parents, educators, healthcare providers, and lawmakers, change is indeed on the way.

The facts are that smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths in Oregon, claiming more than 8,000 lives every year. However, we are at a hopeful turning point. By acknowledging that most smokers start in their teens and that nearly 90% of young e-cigarette users are drawn to flavored options, we’re paving the path toward a healthier future. The high nicotine levels in these products pose a significant challenge, but through community collaboration and supportive legislative measures, we’re making meaningful progress toward ending youth tobacco use and nurturing a tobacco-free generation.

National PTA has long recognized the dangers posed by tobacco companies’ marketing strategies targeting youth and they support legislation that prohibits these companies from aiming their products at young people through advertising, promotion, or marketing. This aligns perfectly with Oregon PTA’s commitment to protecting our children from the harmful effects of tobacco.

We know that healthier children are better learners, showing improvements in mental health, behavior, attendance, and academic performance. Across our state, some counties and school districts are already taking protective steps, demonstrating the power of local solutions. Yet, to maintain this momentum, a comprehensive statewide strategy is essential. That’s why both Deschutes County and the City of Bend have both passed resolutions urging the state to act.

We agree. Oregon PTA urges our legislators to take brave and decisive steps. By banning the sale of all flavored tobacco products—menthol cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes, cigars, and shisha—throughout Oregon, we can create an environment that prioritizes the well-being and potential of our children.

Together, we can champion the health and aspirations of our youth, ensuring that every child can dream big and achieve greatness. The time to act is now—join us in this transformative journey toward a brighter, smoke-free future for Oregon’s children.

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