Ohio's tobacco prevention and cessation funding has experienced turbulence in recent years. From securitization (which took away borrowed and future payments) to dismantling of the foundation to having the endowment re-allocated and tied up in a court case, Ohio's nationally recognized initiative to reduce tobacco use and help current users quit is no longer at the same capacity.
Following the court case, the state gave the Ohio Department of Health a tiny amount of money to perform the same job. At the same time, the tobacco industry used Ohio as a test market for new products! In just the last year, we are already seeing the negative impacts of this approach (See post from August 17, 2009). As posted on August 12, there have been several developments. First, a ruling was rendered in the original court case on August 11, 2009. To read recaps of this decision, check out the two links below:
Toledo Blade Editorial
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids press release
While Judge Fais' ruling supports the value of tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, the state quickly appealed the case. The funds will continue to be held by the court.
Following the court case, the state gave the Ohio Department of Health a tiny amount of money to perform the same job. At the same time, the tobacco industry used Ohio as a test market for new products! In just the last year, we are already seeing the negative impacts of this approach (See post from August 17, 2009). As posted on August 12, there have been several developments. First, a ruling was rendered in the original court case on August 11, 2009. To read recaps of this decision, check out the two links below:
Toledo Blade Editorial
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids press release
While Judge Fais' ruling supports the value of tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, the state quickly appealed the case. The funds will continue to be held by the court.
So, what does this mean?
Once the current tobacco prevention dollars run out on June 30, 2010, there will be no tobacco prevention effort at ODH without some other action. Another funding source will be needed.
To learn more about plans to provide for tobacco prevention funding, visit http://investinginyouth.org/ Activities and alerts are being planned to educate legislators on the value of quality, evidence based tobacco prevention. Stay tuned to learn more!
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