To the editor:

While I have years of experience as a Certified Prevention Specialist and Certified Harm Reduction Specialist, I am writing today primarily as a mother of four and someone who has spent many years working closely with youth in our communities.

Over the years, I have seen firsthand the impact vaping has had on young people. Flavored vape products were clearly designed to appeal to youth, making nicotine addiction easier to start and harder to stop. In 2019, when the sale of flavored vape products to individuals over 21 was banned, the rate of underage vaping dropped drastically. That policy showed that prevention efforts and sensible regulations can make a real difference.

Now, there is legislation being proposed not only to legalize flavored vape products again, but also to lower the price of nicotine pouches, citing “harm reduction” as a primary reason. This is not harm reduction. This is a clear money grab with little regard for the health and well-being of our youth.

As both a prevention professional and a parent, I understand the importance of true harm reduction strategies. Targeting young people with flavored nicotine products and making them cheaper only increases the likelihood of addiction. Research consistently shows that individuals who begin using nicotine before the age of 21 are far more likely to become lifelong nicotine users.

We must continue to prioritize prevention, public health, and the protection of our children over profits. Prevention works when communities are willing to take meaningful action.

Our children deserve healthier futures, and we all share the responsibility to help protect them.

Polly Allen
Little Compton