The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced organization restructuring efforts that will affect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), changes which are expected to impact tobacco cessation programs due to the loss of federal funding.
As part of President Donald Trump’s DOGE initiatives, the Office of Smoking and Health at the CDC has been dismantled and a number of staff members at the Center for Tobacco Products at the FDA have been placed on administrative leave.
With many tobacco use prevention programs being aimed toward adolescents, these cuts raise the question: how will youth be affected?
Local School Districts on tobacco cessation cuts
The Richmond County School System (RCSS) shared with the Augusta Press its plan to counter any negative effects caused by funding cuts to tobacco cessation programs.
“While we are aware of recent federal funding reductions impacting tobacco cessation organizations, our district remains committed to providing prevention education and support services,” a district statement read. “RCSS actively explores alternative funding sources and partnerships to ensure continuity in our efforts. Additionally, the district will continue to integrate prevention strategies into existing student support and health education programs.”
The school district currently implements a program called SUPER Stop!, a two-session, family-based program designed to prevent substance use including tobacco among you ages 11 to 18, who are at risk.
Richmond County funds this initiative using Title IV federal funds, which supports delinquency prevention and positive youth development.
“At this time, core prevention efforts like SUPER Stop! and in-class health education are not directly impacted by recent funding cuts,” a district statement read. “However, we are monitoring developments closely. Should any external funding sources be reduced or eliminated, we are committed to identifying ways to continue offering these important services without disruption. We remain focused on providing proactive, research-based prevention programming that empowers students and families to lead healthy, tobacco-free lives.”
The Columbia County School District was also reached for comment, and said they are not aware of any impact to programming at this time.
