April 19, 2013: County executive approves legislation. On March 26, 2013, health advocates and lobbyists from the beverage industry met with aides of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone to state their cases in regard to the recent legislation that was passed. For more on what each side said, please read the Newsday article here. To view a News 12 story that aired on April 2, please click here. On April 18, County Executive Bellone signed both pieces of legislation that limit minors' access to energy drinks. This is the first of such legislation in the nation and has come after two and a half years of dedication and support. Congratulations to Tracy Trypuc and everyone who worked so hard to see this through.
April 5, 2013: Update on legislation initiative. On Tuesday March 19, 2013, Suffolk County lawmakers passed three bills that will lead to oversight of energy drink sales in the area. One bill bans the sale of energy drinks at county parks and beaches and another bans marketing to minors by stopping coupons and free samples. A measure was also passed that will encouraged local youth to get involved and submit media about why the drinks are dangerous. For more information about this advance in public policy, please read the Newsday article here.
December 17, 2012: PPH student plays crucial role in changing legislation. Tracy Trypuc, BSN, RN, a student of the combined MPH/MBA program, has played a major role in the public health policy topic of banning energy drink marketing/sales to youth in Suffolk County. The effects of energy drinks on children and adolescents have been thoroughly researched for the past two years. The county board of health has been urged to seek changes in legislation after research findings show that energy drinks “can cause heart problems, lead to increased visits to the emergency rooms and even deaths,” states Trypuc, also a board member. At the Suffolk’s Board of Health meeting on November 28, the board voted unanimously to send recommendations to the County legislature and to the FDA on the issue. Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken, also an affiliated faculty member for the PPH, sent the board’s letter that called for labeling of all drink ingredients and components in a noticeable way and also asked that potential regulations ban the distribution of these drinks to child and adolescents under the age of 19. It may be sometime before we see if the board’s recommendations are acted upon, but we commend everyone’s hard work toward the cause.
