These are the first youth coalitions to be funded with tobacco settlement dollars. Previously established coalitions were funded by the American Legacy Foundation to support a comprehensive statewide youth movement against tobacco use. To encourage the growth of the Colorado's youth movement, settlement monies will be available for the establishment of new youth coalitions. These programs will give Colorado's youth a fighting chance to overcome these influences and make informed choices about a dangerous consumer product that can adversely affect their entire lives. Senate Bill 71, passed during the 2000 session of the Colorado Legislature, created the Tobacco Education and Prevention Grant Program that annually allocates 15 percent of the state's total tobacco settlement monies to tobacco education, prevention and cessation initiatives statewide.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Colorado and the United States.