The Albany County Legislature, in conjunction with the Albany County Department of Health, and the Albany County Executive’s Office are prioritizing heart health this Valentine’s Day by kicking off the 2025 Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Grant. Starting today, February 14, the legislature is accepting grant applications from organizations dedicated to addressing tobacco use among youth, including promoting quitting, and minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke. The deadline for submissions is March 14.

Public school districts and charter schools within Albany County, private individuals, non-profits organizations, and other non-public entities and organizations that partner with schools are all eligible to apply for grant awards of up to $20,000 each from the $150,000 available.

Applicant programs must address at least one of the following:

• Education designed to address tobacco use, prevention, and cessation strategies and the dangers of tobacco;
• Counseling about tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and vaping;
• Programs that address drug prevention and cessation;
• Training for teachers or health professionals about tobacco and electronic cigarette use, including cessation and prevention;
• Activities to prevent the sale or use of cigarettes or tobacco products to minors; or
• Programs designed to eliminate health disparities for groups with high tobacco or vaping burdens.

Applicants must demonstrate how they will execute their program effectively with written applications that include five parts:

• Executive summary;
• Anticipated expenses;
• Benefits statement including projected impacts;
• Overview of need; and
• How program(s) integrates into larger curriculum

Applications must be submitted to the Albany County Legislature via email to Elena.Cenko@albanycountyny.gov.

More information is available at AlbanyCountyNY.gov/QUITact.

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “We can, and have, passed laws to protect vulnerable people from the dangers that tobacco use brings, but that doesn’t mean our work is done. As we saw earlier this year when we awarded over $700,000 to organizations across the county, there is a great need to support organizations that are making a tangible impact in people’s everyday lives. With the position that our current federal government has taken in regards to cutting critical funding, we are going to step in to help with purpose, pride, and pleasure.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2023, 22.2% of U.S. middle and high school students reported ever using tobacco products. Young people can and do hurt their heart, their lungs, when they use tobacco and harder substances. This increases their chances of getting heart disease and other preventable illnesses.  Unfortunately, this is even more prevalent in communities of color where rates of tobacco use have historically been higher thanks to harmful tactics by Big Tobacco. I highly encourage school districts from all corners of the county to apply for these grants and use them to educate and protect our next generation.”

Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said: “As a county government, we have a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of our children, especially from the dangers of nicotine addiction, lung disease, and the other long-term health consequences of tobacco and vaping usage. This funding to expand tobacco and substance use prevention education in schools will help us continue our efforts to stop these dangerous habits from taking root.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “Protecting our kids from the dangers of tobacco and substance use starts with education and prevention. This grant program is a direct investment in their future and I encourage all eligible organizations to apply. By supporting programs that promote awareness and cessation, we are taking proactive steps to build a healthier Albany County.”