Letitia James Co-Leads Bipartisan Push Against Youth Substance Abus…

New York – In a bold move against youth substance abuse, New York Attorney General Letitia James has co-led a 40-state bipartisan coalition to push for the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act. The legislation aims to combat rising drug use among young people through evidence-based public education campaigns and strategic community outreach.

In a letter addressed to Democratic and Republican leadership, AG James highlighted the urgency of proactive prevention efforts amidst the escalating risk of exposure to drugs like fentanyl and xylazine. She emphasized that the ongoing opioid crisis demands a multifaceted approach led by all levels of government.

‘Too many young people know firsthand just how deadly drugs like fentanyl can be,’ said AG James. ‘We need this commonsense, bipartisan measure to provide critical resources for saving lives and educating our youth about the dangers of drug use.’

The proposed bill, introduced by Senators Mark Kelly and Thom Tillis, would allocate federal funding for PSAs, youth-led campaigns, and other outreach tools. These efforts must be evidence-based, culturally relevant, and adapted to local community needs.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that early substance use is a growing public health concern, with long-term consequences for individuals, families, schools, and communities. The Act would fund PSAs tailored to youth, youth-led PSA contests, federal grants for various media outreach, and annual reporting requirements for transparency.

The letter is co-signed by the attorneys general of 39 states and American Samoa. This united effort underscores the bipartisan commitment to addressing youth substance abuse across America.

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