Attorney General Phil Weiser announced that the Colorado Department of Law will allocate up to $20 million in grants to community groups focused on enhancing youth mental health services and reducing teen vaping. The funding is made possible by settlement money from a lawsuit against Juul Labs, which has been accused of improper marketing to minors and downplaying the health risks of vaping.
Weiser emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health and vaping crisis among youth, stating that meaningful connections in their lives are crucial. The grant money will complement an additional $11.4 million being distributed to schools by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office to combat student vaping. The Department of Law plans to prioritize initiatives that promote collaborative efforts between community organizations and school districts.
Applications for the grants will be open from fall to January, according to a news release. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided. For more health news, readers can sign up for the weekly newsletter to receive updates directly.
