Kentucky kids need environments that support their health and wellbeing – a goal that can be supported by policy and budget investments. As the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative continues to explore ways to improve child health outcomes, a recent statement from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighted the dangers of youth vaping – an epidemic that continues to impact teens across Kentucky. 

This week, in addition to their stated focus on child nutrition, the MAHA Kentucky Taskforce heard important updates about the state of youth vaping and efforts to reduce youth initiation of nicotine products. 

An update provided by the Kentucky Department for Public Health discussed the current state of youth vaping and available resources, including: 

  • Highlighting the recent Surgeon General report, Sound the Alarm, Youth Vaping Can Harm 
  • Detailing the latest Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which continues to show alarming use rates, including that nearly 20% of students reported using vapes in the last 30 days 
  • Highlighting proven strategies available to help prevent youth vaping and support cessation for those who want to quit

Shifting to an update from the Department of Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC), members heard an important update following several months of uncertainty about the fate of implementation of Senate Bill 100 – a Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priority from 2025 that requires tobacco and nicotine retailers to be licensed and establishes accountability measures for retailers selling to youth.

ABC officials detailed new regulations supporting a licensing program, including the launch of an online application portal for retailers to begin applying for a license and the processes for renewals, enforcement, and appeals. This critical step will help keep these harmful products out of the hands of youth and curb youth initiation of nicotine products. 

Kentucky lawmakers have taken decisive action over the last year to fight the youth vaping epidemic. Looking ahead, the 2026 legislative budget session provides important opportunities to continue that momentum by ensuring investments in tobacco and nicotine prevention and cessation programming to support Kentucky kids. 

Image courtesy of Saša Prudkov via Dreamstime