Local teens recently attended a rally in Raleigh to convince the N.C. Senate to preserve the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund and its successful programs addressing teen tobacco use and childhood obesity.
Orange County students met with Rep. Verla Insko and Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, who represent Orange County and expressed their support for the fund, which was formed as part of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with major tobacco companies. One-fourth of settlement funding was allocated to the fund to address teen tobacco use and preventable health issues. The budget approved by the House dissolves the Health and Wellness Trust Fund.