Tobacco settlement programs highlight vaping prevention and a state-run quitline

Department of Health staff reviewed the Tobacco Settlement Commission quarterly report and described ongoing tobacco and vaping prevention and cessation programs funded through the settlement.

Matt Gilmore summarized quarterly metrics and directed attention to program infographics. Joy Gray, branch chief for the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, provided program details: the department delivered vaping-prevention presentations in 118 schools (442 presentations, 17,707 attendees) and supports Project Prevent (92 chapters across 50 counties), a youth-led prevention effort. Gray described the Coral Reef program—an educational cartoon series developed by the department for children ages 5–7 to address early vaping initiation—and reported Episode 1 reached 13,332 children in 89 schools.

On cessation, Gray highlighted Beagle Arkansas, the state-run quitline now in its fifth year, and reported enrollment of just over 14,000 users since launch. Committee members asked about how settlement funds are allocated; Bureau of Legislative Research staff (Jessica Mill) clarified the settlement program is an initiated measure codified in Title 19 and has been amended by legislation in past years; some changes require a two-thirds legislative vote. Members discussed flexibility in funding and possible uses such as transportation or clinic expansion, and department staff said they would research statutory constraints and appropriation pathways.

Committee members praised prevention work and urged continued outreach to schools and community centers; lawmakers asked for details on funding flexibility and possible future reporting back to the committee.