Illinois Invests $24 Million for Youth Vaping Prevention Initiatives Following JUUL Settlement
On April 18, 2025, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul made a significant announcement that marks a pivotal moment in the fight against youth vaping. The state will invest $24 million derived from a settlement with JUUL Labs into the Truth Initiative's extensive vaping prevention efforts. This funding will play a crucial role in implementing a robust strategy aimed at reducing nicotine addiction among the youth in Illinois, providing them with the essential resources they need to resist and quit vaping.
The Truth Initiative, recognized as the largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing nicotine use among youth and young adults, is set to roll out several key programs funded by this settlement. Key components of this initiative include the EX Program, designed to assist young individuals in quitting nicotine through tailored digital support, as well as the "Vaping Know the Truth" curriculum. These resources will be vital in educating youth about the dangers of vaping and offering them avenues for cessation.
The EX Program, which has shown evidence to increase the odds of quitting nicotine by as much as 40%, has been developed in collaboration with the esteemed Mayo Clinic since 2008. By providing personalized digital quitting support that is accessible via smartphones and social media, this program is tailored to fit the lifestyle of today's youth, giving them the tools they need to successfully navigate their journey toward a vape-free life.
"E-cigarette use continues to be an alarming epidemic among the youth in Illinois," said Raoul, highlighting the influx of flavored, disposable vaping products that are particularly enticing to younger audiences. The settlement's allocation aims to combat this trend, as flavored vaping products remain a substantial concern across the state and the nation.
As part of its mission, the Truth Initiative will launch a targeted media campaign to raise awareness among Illinois youth about the potential harms of vaping. This initiative will also drive enrollment in the EX Program, making it accessible to those who need it the most.
Moreover, Illinois schools will benefit from the "Vaping Know the Truth" curriculum, a self-directed educational program designed to empower students with knowledge about the risks associated with vaping. This curriculum, created in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and the American Heart Association, will be made available through EVERFI, an innovative technology company focused on driving social impact through education. Available for middle and high school students, interactive modules will guide them towards leading healthy, vape-free lives.
"This settlement with JUUL presents a foundational opportunity to direct funds toward evidence-based programs that help young individuals quit vaping and avert future addiction," stated Kathy Crosby, President and CEO of Truth Initiative. The organization commends Raoul for his proactive leadership in addressing youth vaping and efficiently leveraging settlement funds. Their collaboration aims not only to impede the ongoing youth vaping epidemic but also to forge a healthier, tobacco-free future for all.
In addition to digital resources and educational programs, the Truth Initiative plans to host events on college campuses, including locations such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Knox College in Galesburg. These events will foster a culture of quitting, encouraging students to engage with the EX Program or support peers in their quitting journeys. Young advocates will also share personal stories about the risks of vaping and the benefits of cessation, aiming to create a supportive community focused on reducing nicotine dependency.
As part of Attorney General Raoul's continued advocacy against youth e-cigarette use, he had previously filed a lawsuit against JUUL Labs in 2019, accusing the company of intentionally marketing its harmful products to younger audiences. This suit culminated in a landmark $462 million settlement, enabling Illinois to implement vital preventive measures. With the infusion of this significant funding, Illinois is poised to lead a comprehensive initiative aimed at combating youth vaping through education, support, and advocacy for a healthier future.
The Truth Initiative, recognized as the largest nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing nicotine use among youth and young adults, is set to roll out several key programs funded by this settlement. Key components of this initiative include the EX Program, designed to assist young individuals in quitting nicotine through tailored digital support, as well as the "Vaping Know the Truth" curriculum. These resources will be vital in educating youth about the dangers of vaping and offering them avenues for cessation.
The EX Program, which has shown evidence to increase the odds of quitting nicotine by as much as 40%, has been developed in collaboration with the esteemed Mayo Clinic since 2008. By providing personalized digital quitting support that is accessible via smartphones and social media, this program is tailored to fit the lifestyle of today's youth, giving them the tools they need to successfully navigate their journey toward a vape-free life.
"E-cigarette use continues to be an alarming epidemic among the youth in Illinois," said Raoul, highlighting the influx of flavored, disposable vaping products that are particularly enticing to younger audiences. The settlement's allocation aims to combat this trend, as flavored vaping products remain a substantial concern across the state and the nation.
As part of its mission, the Truth Initiative will launch a targeted media campaign to raise awareness among Illinois youth about the potential harms of vaping. This initiative will also drive enrollment in the EX Program, making it accessible to those who need it the most.
Moreover, Illinois schools will benefit from the "Vaping Know the Truth" curriculum, a self-directed educational program designed to empower students with knowledge about the risks associated with vaping. This curriculum, created in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and the American Heart Association, will be made available through EVERFI, an innovative technology company focused on driving social impact through education. Available for middle and high school students, interactive modules will guide them towards leading healthy, vape-free lives.
"This settlement with JUUL presents a foundational opportunity to direct funds toward evidence-based programs that help young individuals quit vaping and avert future addiction," stated Kathy Crosby, President and CEO of Truth Initiative. The organization commends Raoul for his proactive leadership in addressing youth vaping and efficiently leveraging settlement funds. Their collaboration aims not only to impede the ongoing youth vaping epidemic but also to forge a healthier, tobacco-free future for all.
In addition to digital resources and educational programs, the Truth Initiative plans to host events on college campuses, including locations such as the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Knox College in Galesburg. These events will foster a culture of quitting, encouraging students to engage with the EX Program or support peers in their quitting journeys. Young advocates will also share personal stories about the risks of vaping and the benefits of cessation, aiming to create a supportive community focused on reducing nicotine dependency.
As part of Attorney General Raoul's continued advocacy against youth e-cigarette use, he had previously filed a lawsuit against JUUL Labs in 2019, accusing the company of intentionally marketing its harmful products to younger audiences. This suit culminated in a landmark $462 million settlement, enabling Illinois to implement vital preventive measures. With the infusion of this significant funding, Illinois is poised to lead a comprehensive initiative aimed at combating youth vaping through education, support, and advocacy for a healthier future.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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