A troop of persuasive and committed Girl Scouts from New Brighton went to the state Capitol in March to meet with lawmakers about the importance of raising the state’s tobacco sale age to 21 and funding cessation programs. The 12 girls attended a Day at the Capitol hosted by Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation.
“Our troop studied the effects of tobacco on our state and our community,” explained troop leader and parent Aimee Causey-Mullaney. “We learned about the toll tobacco takes in Minnesota in health care costs, in productivity and in human suffering. They decided to act, so here we are.”
Lindsey Fabian, a local public health professional and mother of a troop member, worked with the girls as they learned about the impact of tobacco use. “Since I introduced this topic to them about a year ago, they have been acutely aware of people smoking in our community,” she said. “They know some classmates who have smoked or been offered a cigarette already. These girls are 7th graders.”
Troop 55779 met with area lawmakers, Rep. Connie Bernardy, Rep. Mary Kunesh-Podein and Sen. Carolyn Laine. The girls explained they support raising the age of sale for tobacco products to 21 because they know other kids their age use tobacco products and gain access to it through older friends and siblings. They also shared personal connections to cancer.
“These kids aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today,” said Ellie Beaver, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Minnesota government relations director. “They knew their stuff when they met with their lawmakers. With their voices backing these strong public health policies, I know we can reduce tobacco use and make a difference in the future for cancer in this state.”
The girls were among 350 youth and adult advocates from across the state representing Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation who rallied at the State Capitol for policies that reduce youth tobacco use and help end the death and disease associated with commercial tobacco use.
Participants held parade from the Minnesota History Center to the State Capitol before meeting with lawmakers to discuss common-sense steps to reduce the burden of tobacco in Minnesota, including raising the tobacco sale age to 21 and funding statewide quit-smoking services.
Thank you for participating in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) virtual Cancer Action Day on May 14. We know our day looks different, but together we are making a difference for cancer patients and survivors with you during our virtual day.