NJ AJR153

Designates May of each year as "Youth Smoking Prevention and Awareness Month" in New Jersey to increase public awareness about the dangers of youth smoking

Requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs

Cites statistics that nearly 25% of middle school students and nearly 50% of high school students have used tobacco products at least once

Notes smoking claims approximately 480,000 lives annually in the U.S. and over 11,000 lives per year in New Jersey

Highlights that nearly all smokers begin before age 18, making middle and high school years critical for prevention efforts