Reducing the Burden of Menthol and Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products through Policy Change Grant

Commercial tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Minnesota and across the United States. Among commercial tobacco products, menthol and other flavored commercial tobacco items pose a unique risk. These flavors attract young people, making it easier to start using tobacco and harder to quit. To address this, the Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota (ANSR) has launched a new initiative funded by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Reducing the Burden of Menthol and Flavored Commercial Tobacco Products through Policy Change grant. his grant aims to reduce tobacco-related harm through local policy change.

Why Focus on Menthol and Flavored Tobacco Products?

Menthol and other flavors mask the harshness of commercial tobacco, making it more appealing, especially to youth and new users. Research shows that flavored tobacco products increase the likelihood of starting tobacco use and decrease the chances of quitting. This contributes to ongoing health disparities, particularly in communities where tobacco use is more common.

By targeting these products, the grant seeks to:

• Prevent young people from starting commercial tobacco use

• Support adults who want to quit

• Promote health equity by reducing tobacco-related disparities
  

Goals of the Grant

The grant has two main goals that guide its work in Minnesota:

1. Advance Local and Tribal Policies

The grant supports communities in creating and enforcing policies that prohibit the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol. These policies help reduce access to these products, especially among youth. Local and Tribal governments play a crucial role in protecting public health by passing laws that limit tobacco sales.

2. Increase Community Coverage of Flavored Tobacco Policies

The grant aims to expand the number of Minnesotans living in areas covered by flavored tobacco restrictions. This means more communities will have policies that reduce the availability of these products, leading to better health outcomes statewide.

The Role of ANSR

Emily Anderson, managing the grant at ANSR, brings experience in tobacco prevention and community engagement. ANSR works closely with local leaders, health organizations, and Tribal governments to build support for policy change. Their efforts include:

• Providing technical assistance to draft and implement policies

• Educating the public about the risks of flavored tobacco and about best practices for local policy change; 

• Supporting enforcement of new regulations
  

This collaborative approach helps create lasting change that benefits all Minnesotans.

Emily’s contact information: Email - Emily@ansrmn.org