Breanna Cutright, an 18-year-old high school senior in Clarksburg, West Virginia, was in the middle of preparing for her junior prom when she received the devastating news that Raze, an anti-tobacco program that had become a significant part of her life, was shutting down due to federal funding cuts. The program had been instrumental in providing her with scholarship opportunities, trips to the state capitol, and even the chance to meet with senators on Capitol Hill to discuss tobacco use in schools.
Cutright, like many of her peers, had witnessed the rise of vaping among her classmates, with 27% of high school students in West Virginia using tobacco products – the highest rate in the nation. Almost everyone she knew had been affected by the health problems associated with tobacco use, making the elimination of Raze even more perplexing to her.
The closure of Raze was a result of the broader cuts made at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in an effort to refocus the agency on fighting infectious diseases. One of the casualties of these cuts was the Office on Smoking and Health (OSH), which played a crucial role in funding anti-tobacco efforts in states like West Virginia.
The impact of OSH’s closure was felt deeply in West Virginia, where 73% of funding for anti-tobacco programs came from the agency. Raze, which was founded in 2001 and supported by OSH and state funding, was a vital resource for educating young people about the dangers of tobacco use through peer-to-peer education and community events.
Laura Williams, a coordinator for the program at the American Lung Association, described the end of Raze as devastating for the state, especially considering West Virginia’s high rates of lung cancer and adult tobacco use. The program’s activities, such as simulating the effects of emphysema and creating a paper chain of hospital bracelets with names of those affected by tobacco-related diseases, were crucial in raising awareness among teenagers who often witnessed tobacco use at home.
With the closure of Raze and the broader cuts at the CDC, the future of anti-tobacco efforts in West Virginia looks uncertain. Williams expressed concern that the situation might worsen before it gets better, as the tobacco industry continues to spend millions on marketing in the state. For young people like Cutright, the loss of Raze means the loss of a valuable resource in the fight against tobacco use and its devastating consequences. This decision had a direct impact on the Raze program, which relied on state funding to continue its important work. Without the financial support they needed, the program faced an uncertain future and the possibility of being unable to reach the youth who needed their message the most.
Cutright and her fellow Raze advocates understood the gravity of the situation. They knew that without their efforts, a whole new generation of young people could fall prey to the addictive nature of tobacco products. Vaping had become increasingly popular among teenagers, with enticing flavors and sleek designs that made it appealing to them. Many young people were unaware of the dangers of nicotine addiction and the harmful effects it could have on their health.
The work of Raze was more important than ever in this environment. Cutright, with her passion for helping others and her dedication to the cause, was determined to make a difference. She faced challenges and obstacles along the way, from being mocked by classmates to navigating the complexities of addiction. But she persevered, knowing that she had the power to change lives and prevent the cycle of tobacco addiction from continuing.
Cutright’s influence extended beyond her peers and into her own family. Her grandfather, a long-time smoker, was inspired by her advocacy and made the decision to quit for good. With her encouragement and support, he was able to break free from the grip of tobacco and live a healthier life. This success story was a testament to the impact that one person can have on those around them, and it fueled Cutright’s determination to keep fighting for a tobacco-free future.
As the battle against tobacco addiction raged on, Cutright and her fellow advocates refused to back down. They knew that the stakes were high, and the consequences of inaction were too great to ignore. With their voices raised and their message clear, they continued to fight for a generation of young people who deserved a future free from the chains of addiction. And with each victory, they moved one step closer to their goal of a healthier, smoke-free world for all. But the impact of losing OSH funding hit close to home for her. Her father-in-law died from lung cancer caused by smoking, and her own father is a smoker who has had a heart attack and two strokes. “I see the impact on him every day,” she said.
Her father is a proud man who doesn’t like to ask for help, but she knows that quitting smoking is hard for him. She worries about him and about others who may not have the support they need to quit. “We need these programs,” Cutright said. “We need to help people who want to quit smoking, because we know it’s so hard to do on your own.”
She’s grateful for the state quitline and the counseling it provides. “It’s a lifeline for people who are trying to quit,” she said. “It’s a shame that these programs are being cut, because they really do make a difference.”
For Cutright, the solution seems simple: “We know the harms of tobacco. We know what it does to people. Why wouldn’t we take steps to correct it?”
It’s a sentiment shared by many who have dedicated their careers to helping people quit smoking and preventing others from starting. The work they do is not just a job; it’s a mission to save lives and improve public health. Losing OSH funding has made that mission more challenging, but they remain hopeful that the support will return and the programs they depend on will be able to continue their vital work.
In the 2024 presidential election, nearly 70% of people in the county voted for Trump. This overwhelming support for the former president reflects a deep-rooted political divide within the community. Despite the controversial nature of Trump’s presidency, a significant majority of residents in the county continue to stand by his leadership.
One young resident, Cutright, has been actively involved in advocating for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts. Through her work with Raze and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, she has gained valuable experience in engaging with legislators at both the state and federal levels. Recently, she had the opportunity to speak at a congressional briefing on the importance of federal funding for tobacco control programs. Cutright’s passion for public health issues has driven her to become more politically aware and engaged.
As a new voter, Cutright recognizes the impact of budget cuts on vital programs like Raze. She understands the importance of raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and believes that youth voices can make a significant difference in advocating for change. Cutright is determined to continue her advocacy work by starting a new version of the club at her school, passing on her knowledge and experience to younger students.
Despite facing opposition and skepticism from her peers, Cutright remains steadfast in her mission to educate others about the dangers of tobacco use. She takes pride in moments when her efforts have a positive impact, such as when a classmate spoke out against vaping. These small victories fuel Cutright’s determination to continue fighting for public health initiatives.
The county’s overwhelming support for Trump in the 2024 election highlights the complex political landscape within the community. While opinions may vary among residents, individuals like Cutright are actively working to make a difference in important public health issues. By amplifying youth voices and advocating for change, they are shaping the future of their community. The advancement of technology has revolutionized the way we live our lives. From smartphones to smart homes, technology has become an integral part of our daily routines. One area that has seen significant progress is the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI is the ability of a computer or machine to think, learn, and problem-solve in a way that mimics human intelligence. This technology has the potential to transform various industries, from healthcare to finance to transportation.
One of the most exciting applications of AI is in the field of healthcare. AI-powered systems can analyze large amounts of medical data to help diagnose diseases, recommend treatments, and even predict patient outcomes. This can lead to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, and improved patient care.
In the finance industry, AI is being used to detect fraud, automate trading, and personalize customer experiences. AI algorithms can analyze financial data in real-time to identify suspicious activities and prevent fraudulent transactions. This not only saves financial institutions time and money but also helps protect customers from identity theft and other cybercrimes.
In the transportation sector, AI is being used to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Self-driving cars, powered by AI technology, are being developed to reduce accidents caused by human error and improve traffic flow. AI-powered systems can also optimize delivery routes, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize carbon emissions, leading to a more sustainable transportation system.
Despite the many benefits of AI, there are also concerns about its potential impact on jobs and privacy. As AI systems become more advanced, there is a fear that they could replace human workers in various industries, leading to job losses and economic disruption. Additionally, the collection and analysis of large amounts of personal data by AI systems raise concerns about privacy and data security.
To address these concerns, it is important for policymakers, businesses, and researchers to work together to develop ethical guidelines and regulations for the responsible use of AI. This includes ensuring transparency and accountability in AI systems, protecting user data, and providing opportunities for retraining and upskilling workers affected by automation.
Overall, the future of AI is promising, with the potential to revolutionize industries and improve our daily lives. By harnessing the power of AI responsibly, we can create a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable society for all.
