A newly formed advisory group, the Vaping Public Health Work Group, held its first meeting January 28. The group, convened by the governor’s office is charged with providing recommendations to protect Oregonians, particularly Oregon’s youth from the ongoing public health crisis and youth vaping epidemic, and the harms associated with vaping products generally.
Recent statistics point to a climb in youth use of e-cigarette products. According to the Oregon Health Authority, between 2017 and 2019, e-cigarette use by 11th graders in Oregon jumped from 13 percent to 23 percent, a nearly 80 percent increase.
From January to May, the group will meet five times to assess evidenced-informed regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to curb vaping use. Final recommendations must be submitted to the governor by June 1. Approaches are targeted at the Legislature, agencies, and other state and local bodies.
Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legal Counsel, Rob Bovett serves on the work group.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate