Tobacco

Richard most recently served as the deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Community Preparedness and Health Protection in the Office of Public Health (OPH).

The annual Synar Report describes the progress Louisiana and other states have made in enforcing youth tobacco access laws and future plans to reduce youth tobacco access rates as required by the federal Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 300x–26]. The law requires all states to have in effect a law making it unlawful for any manufacturer, retailer, or distributor of tobacco products to sell or distribute any such product to any individual under the age of 18, and to conduct random, unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with the law. States are required to report this information annually to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).

Every year the event draws attention to preventing deaths and chronic illnesses caused by smoking.

Vaping is not safe. That's why the Louisiana Department of Health is recommending people stop using all vaping products — especially those being sold on the street or that have had substances added after their manufacture.

On Dec. 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, raising the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes, to anyone under 21.

During the month of March, Well-Ahead Louisiana, an initiative of the Louisiana Department of Health; the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living; and The Rapides Foundation partnered to celebrate Kick Butts Day in different locations throughout Louisiana.

The Louisiana Tobacco Control Program (LTCP) is a state program within the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Office of Public Health’s (OPH) Health Promotion Team.