State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) on Friday welcomed the Hamilton County and Howard County VOICE action groups to the Statehouse as they advocated for a tobacco-free lifestyle.
As members of VOICE, students aged 13 to 18 strive to engage, educate and empower young Hoosiers to become leaders and advocate in their communities. Health officials in Indiana partner with these local teens to launch campaigns targeted at reducing tobacco use among local youth.
“I was so impressed by the curiosity, passion and knowledge of these students,” Schaibley said. “Groups like VOICE are so important to our communities because they encourage healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about the dangers of smoking.”
Schaibley said new developments in vaping and e-cigarettes have increased tobacco use among teens.
According to a study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2021, with more than eight in 10 of those youth using flavored e-cigarettes.
Schaibley said it is groups like VOICE that inspired her to support legislation in the past like increasing the smoking age to 21, increasing the cigarette tax and backing smoking cessation initiatives.
For additional information on the VOICE action team, visit voiceindiana.org or email info@voiceindiana.org.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24, which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.
Photo provided
Photo provided