U.S. states are underfunding tobacco prevention programs despite receiving $25 billion this year through a legal settlement with the tobacco industry, said AHA CEO Nancy Brown.
"For every step forward in curbing tobacco use among Americans, many states have taken two steps backward," Brown said. "This comes as tobacco companies devise new tactics to increase smoking rates. New research shows young women are starting to pick up the deadly habit at an earlier age, largely influenced by slick, trendy marketing campaigns that fail to underscore the dangers of tobacco use."
Since 1998, states have received yearly payments as part of a legal settlement in which the tobacco industry agreed to pay an estimated $246 billion over 25 years. According to a new report, "A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 12 Years Later," states will put less than 2 percent of this year's funds toward tobacco initiatives.
"States have the resources to dramatically reduce smoking statistics and save lives," Brown said. "It's inexcusable that only two, Alaska and North Dakota, are funding tobacco prevention programs at levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Read statement by Nancy Brown.
Read "A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 12 Years Later."
"For every step forward in curbing tobacco use among Americans, many states have taken two steps backward," Brown said. "This comes as tobacco companies devise new tactics to increase smoking rates. New research shows young women are starting to pick up the deadly habit at an earlier age, largely influenced by slick, trendy marketing campaigns that fail to underscore the dangers of tobacco use."
Since 1998, states have received yearly payments as part of a legal settlement in which the tobacco industry agreed to pay an estimated $246 billion over 25 years. According to a new report, "A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 12 Years Later," states will put less than 2 percent of this year's funds toward tobacco initiatives.
"States have the resources to dramatically reduce smoking statistics and save lives," Brown said. "It's inexcusable that only two, Alaska and North Dakota, are funding tobacco prevention programs at levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
Read statement by Nancy Brown.
Read "A Broken Promise to Our Children: The 1998 State Tobacco Settlement 12 Years Later."
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