This day of action aims to amplify the voices of those impacted by tobacco and rally support for effective policies to reduce tobacco use.
Roughly 500 advocates who want to reduce tobacco use from across Indiana, including 300 students, will gather at the Indiana Statehouse for Tobacco Free Indiana Advocacy Day on Wednesday. They will urge lawmakers to significantly increase the state’s tobacco taxes and to increase funding for programs that prevent tobacco use and help those already addicted quit.
Spokespeople:
- Allie Kast Gregg, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network government relations director.
- Irene Boone Phillips, program coordinator, Franciscan Health / Lake County Community Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition, whose son's health has been impacted by a family member's tobacco use.
- Sanjana Malineni and Blake Hurst, VOICES youth advocates from high schools in Hamilton and Hancock counties.
The spokespeople would highlight the urgent need to increase tobacco taxes and invest in programs to prevent tobacco use and to help those already addicted quit, given the devastating toll of tobacco use on Hoosiers’ health. This day of action aims to amplify the voices of those impacted by tobacco and rally support for effective policies to reduce tobacco use.
What: Tobacco Free Indiana Advocacy Day
Who: Roughly 500 advocates who want to reduce tobacco use in Indiana
When: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Indiana Statehouse
Photo Opportunity: Advocates will gather at 11:25 a.m. at the 2nd floor North Atrium