U.S. Food and Drug Administration News

Ohio Faith Leaders Call on Sen. Voinovich to Cosponsor Legislation to Protect Kids From Tobacco

Press Conference on April 2, 'Kick Butts Day' at 11 a.m. in Kettering

KETTERING, Ohio, March 31 PRNewswire-USNewswire — Faith, public health and youth leaders from Ohio will hold a press conference on Wednesday, April 2 to release a new report that describes how tobacco companies take advantage of the lack of government regulation and have unleashed a new generation of deadly products aimed at hooking kids and preventing current smokers from quitting. April 2nd is "Kick Butts Day," an annual event where youth nationwide speak out against the tobacco industry.

Legislation is currently pending in Congress that would grant the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority over tobacco products. The FDA regulates a box of macaroni and cheese and a tube of lipstick, but not a pack of cigarettes. The leaders will call on the entire Ohio Congressional Delegation, particularly U.S. Senator George Voinovich, to cosponsor the legislation.

The legislation currently pending in Congress would give FDA the authority to ban candy flavored cigarettes, crack down on tobacco marketing and sales to kids, stop tobacco companies from misleading the public about the health risks of their products and require changes in tobacco products, such as the reduction or removal of harmful constituents. The tobacco companies' egregious products aimed at kids will be on display at the event.

WHAT:

Press conference releasing new report & supporting legislation granting FDA authority over tobacco products in order to protect children from tobacco and save lives

WHO:

Rev. Ronald C. Haft, Saint Charles of Borromeo Catholic Church

Shelly Kiser, American Lung Association

Joan Brown, Ohio Chapter, Church Women United

Rev. John Wagner, United Methodist, Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Alvin Hadley, Columbus Metropolitan Area Church Council

Pastor Karl Haffner, Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church

Kyle Peavley, Youth Advocate

Rev. Dr. Daryl Ward, Omega Baptist Church (Dayton)

Sharon Becker, Health Ministries Association of Ohio and Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton

WHERE:

Church of Saint Charles Borromeo