AG James Leads Bipartisan Push Against Youth Substance Abuse

New York – In a bold move to combat the escalating crisis of youth substance abuse, Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a bipartisan coalition of 40 state attorneys general. The group is urging Congress to pass the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act, a bill designed to curtail drug use among young people through targeted public education campaigns and community outreach.

Attorney General James emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Too many young lives are at risk from deadly drugs like fentanyl. We need all levels of government to unite in this fight”. The proposed legislation, co-introduced by Senators Mark Kelly and Thom Tillis, aims to allocate federal funding for evidence-based prevention efforts.

The coalition highlights the growing concern over fentanyl-related overdoses and the proliferation of synthetic drugs. Studies show that early drug use significantly increases the risk of long-term substance abuse disorders, inflicting dire consequences on families and communities alike.

Under the Act, funds would be directed towards culturally relevant PSAs, youth-led PSA contests, federal grants for media outreach, and annual reporting requirements to measure impact. Attorney General James is joined by her counterparts from Connecticut, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and numerous other states in this joint effort.

The bipartisan coalition represents a significant push for comprehensive drug prevention strategies at a time when youth substance abuse remains a critical public health issue.

Attorney General James and the coalition are committed to providing timely and credible information to young people across the nation, aiming to educate and empower them against the dangers of drug use.

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