Jason's Fundraiser

Tobacco is still a problem

The dramatic rise in the use of e-cigarettes among young people

has cut into ANS R's progress toward keeping the next generation

tobacco-free with 25 percent of high school students using

e-cigarettes, such as JUUL. That number will certainly rise without

further progressive policies aimed at reducing the allure of and

access to these products.

Our Plan

ANSR will continue to advocate for policies to reduce overall tobacco

use and exposure by engaging the community, educating stakeholders

and encouraging decision makers to act. We have been successful in

our campaigns over the past 20 years, but the tobacco industry is

unrelenting in their efforts to addict the next generation. While overall

tobacco use rates have gone down, tobacco remains the leading

cause of preventable death in our state. This is simply unacceptable.

ANS R's community-focused work is vital to fighting the tobacco

industry and reducing the health disparities caused by tobacco.

The Impact of Your Support

The urgency of the current moment is indisputable. Youth tobacco

use rates are on the rise for the first time in 17 years. The LGBTQ,

Black and Native communities are still being targeted by Big Tobacco,

and still dying of tobacco-related diseases at disproportionate rates.

ANSR's work is responsive to this moment. We employ 15 passionate

staff with decades of combined experience. Our people are

fundamental to our success in reducing tobacco's harms and much of

our budget is dedicated to paying our staff and community partners .

Unfortunately, ANSR faces a growing funding deficit because

Clearway Minnesota, our largest source of funds, is ceasing

operations. In fact, we are short $150,000 to maintain our highly

experienced staff in 2020. In 2021, that number doubles to $300,000.

Filling this budget gap is doable, but we need the financial support of

concerned individuals and organizations now, so can continue to fight

the tobacco industry and help communities reduce tobacco use rates.