Colorado to Allocate $20M from Juul Settlement Towards Youth Mental Health Initiatives

The Colorado Department of Law has decided to allocate up to $20 million in grants, funded by settlement money from a lawsuit against Juul Labs, to community groups focused on enhancing youth mental health services and reducing teen vaping. This announcement was made by Attorney General Phil Weiser, who stated that the state received $31.7 million from Juul Labs as part of a larger settlement involving six states and the District of Columbia over allegations of improper marketing to minors and downplaying the health risks of vaping.

Weiser highlighted the importance of addressing the mental health and vaping crisis among youth, emphasizing the need for meaningful connections in their lives. 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.