RAZE Cuts Loose: Studio Shuts Doors After Layoffs

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — The hallways of most schools across West Virginia have seen RAZE banners displayed at some point.

Raze is West Virginia’s initiative aimed at preventing tobacco use among young people through education.

Following 24 years of operation, the program is closing down due to budget reductions.

Budget reductions lead to the cancellation of the Raze anti-tobacco education initiative in West Virginia.

In 2023, West Virginia received $7.9 million as compensation in a legal case brought against the firm JULE.

House Bill 3521 was set to allocate $1.19 million toward tobacco education initiatives, yet it failed to pass in the State Senate during the final days of the 2025 legislative session. RAZE issued a statement expressing gratitude to advisers for their dedication over the past 24 years.

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