Special Projects Fund

Project Title

Statewide Convening on Electronic (E-Cigarette) and Other Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems

Grant Amount

$50,000

Priority Area

Special Projects Fund

Date Awarded

October 13, 2016

Region

Capital Region

Status

Closed

Website

http://www.cancer.org

SEE GRANT OUTCOMES

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), otherwise known as e-cigarettes and vapes, are a relatively new and controversial phenomenon in New York State, nationally, and internationally.

E-cigarettes are a growing concern for many in the public health field because of their rapid uptake and popularity—especially among youth—and a lack of research on their impact on health, particularly in regards to e-cigarettes as a gateway for future cigarette use in teens. The perception that e-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking, the absence of enforcement regulations on indoor use, and the popularity of vape shops as a destination for socializing are also contributing to the problem. With research on the dangers of ENDS emerging and new policy directives underway,it is important that stakeholders within New York State to take stock of these developments and lay out next steps. In 2016, NYHealth awarded a grant to the American Cancer Society (ACS) to convene a group of expert stakeholders to discuss and recommend statewide strategies to address ENDS use in New York State.

Under this grant, ACS convened experts and stakeholders, including researchers, health care providers, anti-tobacco advocacy and grassroots organizations, and policymakers to review a broad set of strategies related to ENDS and other alternative nicotine delivery systems for New York State. Specifically, the convening addressed the ENDS-related research to date and what additional research is needed; how different cultural groups or geographies view ENDS and which interventions could be tailored to reflect these views; how to possibly promote ENDS use to long-term adult smokers as a harm reduction strategy and, at the same time, discourage use in adolescents; how to adapt anti-cigarette smoking policies and strategies to address the use of ENDS among youth; and how vape shops and other e-cigarette vendors should be regulated. A white paper was developed with recommendations and was shared with advocacy groups and the State to help spur appropriate policy actions and interventions.

Read the white paper, prepared by the New York State Public Health Association, “Policy Recommendations to Address Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) in New York State.”