Increasing funds for cessation and prevention programs:
In 2007 and 2008, the state granted $10 million and $5 million to cessation and prevention programs, respectively. In 2009, these funds were eliminated entirely. Cessation and prevention programs are proven to work, and the state should designate money to these in 2010. At the same time, comprehensive cessation programs, such as the state’s Quit Initiative, should be supported.
- Smoking is the leading cause of premature, preventable death in this country.
- Regardless of their age, smokers can substantially reduce their risk of disease, including cancer, by quitting.
- Since cessation and prevention funds have dropped, the number of youth smoking in Tennessee has risen.
- The state will pay more in the long term on health care costs if prevention and cessation programs are not implemented now.
- Millions of Americans have health problems caused by smoking. Cigarette smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke cause an estimated average of 438,000 premature deaths each year in the United States.
- Smoking rates are higher in Tennessee than the nation’s average; 23.1 percent of Tennessee’s adult population smoke, compared to 19.8 percent nationally.