WHAT’S NEW
Congratulations to Genevieve Hart on being named the Capital Region Youth Ambassador of the Year
Congratulations to Capital District Reality Check member, Genevieve "Genny" Hart, on being named the Capital Region Youth Ambassador of the Year (YAYA). The award, sponsored by Reality Check of New York, honors the outstanding work of young people who are taking the lead toward a tobacco-free generation. Genny is a junior at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. She's been involved with Reality Check since October 2022, and has provided a vital youth perspective on the impact of tobacco marketing. She has shared the story of a friend who is addicted to vaping at a Schenectady City Council meeting when the council was considering a moratorium on vape and smoke shops. Genny has educated her peers by creating posters about the “Scary Facts” of tobacco use that were used to educate two high school communities for Seen Enough...
Community Spotlight Video: Carrie Dunn-Herrera
We're pleased to release our first Community Spotlight video testimonial of 2024. This video is from Carrie Dunn-Herrera, Assistant Director of Health Promotion at Healthy Capital District. Carrie started smoking menthol cigarettes when she was 14 years old. She quit smoking for good when she was 30 and now helps others in the Capital District live healthier lives. In her own words, Carrie says "To think about the community where there wasn't any smoking, makes me think about a community that has more money in their pockets, makes me think about a community where parks are a healthier and safer place, makes me think about a community where they're moving into homes and houses that aren't yellow stained walls but that are healthy and breathable spaces to be in." Hear more from Carrie below.
In the News: Albany Common Council looking at new law aimed at reducing tobacco retailer density
The Albany Common Council is considering a new law to help protect children from tobacco marketing and to reduce tobacco retailer density within the city. What does the law do? The proposed local law in the City of Albany is intended to 1) reduce tobacco retailer density overall; 2) reduce tobacco retailer density near schools; 3) increase the distance between tobacco retailers; and 4) give authority to the City to take stronger actions against retailers who violate federal, state and local laws. While the proposed law has its limitations (including exempting retailers that sell gas from the non-transferability provision), it does appear to accomplish its stated goals. Local Law L, proposed by the Albany Common Council, restricts licensing for tobacco retailers in the city of Albany. Here is what is in the law: No new...