Day at the Capitol (DATC) is a state-wide event hosted by the American Lung Association where students from across Pennsylvania join forces to advocate for policy changes regarding tobacco control issues.
Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) groups, made up of youth ages 12-18, were able to talk to their local legislators and participate in interactive activities throughout the day to promote lung health for all. The focus of this year’s discussions included addressing the regressive Tobacco Purchase, Use, and Possession (PUP) laws in PA, which fail to recognize the need for nicotine addiction treatment. The hope is to shift the focus toward cessation and remove punitive measures that hinder support for youth facing addiction.
This year, we were able to partner with Steelton Highspire Jr./Sr. High School and Reading High School to bring a total of 44 students to DATC. The Reading High School students were able to meet with two legislators representing Berks County– Judy Schwank and Jacklyn Rusnock. Students from Steelton Highspire Jr./Sr. High School were able to meet with Doug Brown, a representative on Patty Kim’s team. This visit was very successful, as Doug Brown posted, stating the students were “impressive” and calling them “future Chiefs of Staff”.
In total, from all of the TRU groups, there were 110 legislative visits made, and students across Pennsylvania were able to gain valuable experience advocating for stricter laws surrounding tobacco control in hopes of shaping a healthier future.
