HARRISBURG, PA | April 9, 2026
On May 5, 2026, hundreds of youth and adult lung health advocates from across Pennsylvania will travel to the Capitol for the 21st annual Day at the Capitol, hosted by the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania and PACT (Pennsylvania Alliance to Tobacco Control).
Youth and adult advocates from across the Commonwealth will gather at the Capitol to meet with lawmakers and call for stronger tobacco control policies, including closing loopholes in Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act and increasing revenue from tobacco sales to support tobacco prevention and cessation efforts.
Nearly 500 advocates, including 300+ youth from Tobacco Resistance Unit (TRU) groups statewide and 131 adult advocates, will meet with lawmakers and participating in an outdoor rally on Soldier’s Lawn to elevate the voices of youth and communities impacted by tobacco and nicotine addiction. The call to action is for stronger tobacco control policies that protect youth, safeguard workers and reduce tobacco related disease.
“Pennsylvania’s tobacco control laws are not aligned with what we know works to protect public health,” said Elizabeth Hensil, Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania. “Too many people are still exposed to secondhand smoke, and too many young people continue to be targeted by the tobacco industry. We are calling on lawmakers to close gaps in clean indoor air protections and invest in prevention efforts and policies that save lives.
Despite decades of evidence showing what works to reduce tobacco use, Pennsylvania continues to lag behind in adopting comprehensive tobacco control policies. According to the American Lung Association’s 2026 State of Tobacco Control report, the state received grades of F for funding tobacco prevention programs, D for smokefree workplace laws, and F for tobacco tax levels. These shortcomings have real consequences: tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in Pennsylvania, killing more than 22,010 residents each year.
A key focus of the 2026 Day at the Capitol will be the need to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act, which currently includes exemptions that leave workers and patrons in more than 1,300 establishments across the state unprotected from secondhand smoke. Advocates argue that these loopholes undermine public health and disproportionately impact workers in service and hospitality settings.
Advocates will also urge lawmakers to increase revenue from tobacco sales to support evidence-based tobacco prevention and control programs. These programs have been shown to reduce tobacco use, prevent youth addiction and lower health care costs across the state.
“It is important to use your voice to advocate for others’ health even when the audience isn’t open minded,” said Sanai Lester, 12th grade, Capital Area School for the Arts and a one-year TRU participant.
Now in its 21st year, Day at the Capitol brings together youth leaders and lung health advocates to highlight the importance of strong tobacco control policies and to encourage lawmakers to take action to protect all Pennsylvanians. Additional details, including a media advisory and event schedule, will be shared closer to the event.
Advance interviews with youth participants and lung health advocates are available. For more information about the American Lung Association’s tobacco control efforts in Pennsylvania or the 2026 State of Tobacco Control report at 717‑971‑1123 or [email protected].
MEDIA RESOURCES: 2025 Event Photos
