Young Activist Fights Back Against Tobacco in Her Community

Breanna Cutright, an 18-year-old from Clarksburg, West Virginia, found her purpose through Raze, an anti-tobacco program for youth. When federal funding cuts forced Raze to shut down, she felt lost. The program had given her opportunities, like meeting senators and advocating for tobacco-free schools. She was angry because vaping was spreading fast among her classmates, and West Virginia had the highest tobacco use rate in the nation. The cuts came from the CDC, which reduced funding for anti-tobacco programs to focus on infectious diseases. This decision hurt states like West Virginia, which relied heavily on federal funds for tobacco prevention. Raze, supported by the CDC and state funding, had helped thousands of students spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco. Without it, Cutright worried about the future of her community. Cutright’s work with Raze had a big impact. She even convinced her grandfather to quit smoking, something he had struggled with for years. But with Raze gone, she fears more people will get addicted to tobacco. She plans to start a new club at her school to keep the message alive. Her persistence has already made a difference, as she sees more kids speaking out against vaping. The cuts have affected other states too. New York, Georgia, and North Carolina also saw their anti-tobacco programs suffer. Experts worry that without these programs, more people, especially in rural areas, will be exposed to tobacco. They hope Congress will restore funding to continue the fight against tobacco use. Cutright doesn’t see herself as political, but her work has made her more aware of how decisions in Washington affect real people. She believes young voices can make a difference and encourages others to get involved. Even without Raze, she’s determined to keep fighting for a tobacco-free future.