Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:  Immediate Release         Kill Date:  March 14, 2008

Contact Person:  Ann Goldon                  Phone:  (810) 341-5898

RE:  New Study Shows Tobacco Prevention Programs Cut Adult Smoking Rates

Greater investments in state tobacco prevention programs are undeniably associated with larger and more rapid declines in adult smoking rates, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and RTI International, an independent nonprofit research institute based in Research Triangle Park , N.C.

The study, “The Impact of Tobacco Control Programs on Adult Smoking,” was published in the February 2008 issue of the American Journal of Public Health.  The study analyzed data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia , finding that when individual states increased funding for tobacco prevention programs, adult smoking rates declined. 

Yet, despite extensive research to demonstrate the effectiveness of tobacco prevention programs in reducing smoking prevalence and improving health, Michigan ranks 47^th among states in funding tobacco prevention programming.  Michigan spends a mere $3.6 million annually, which is only 3% of the CDC recommended $121 million annual investment in tobacco prevention.  At the same time, Michigan takes in $1.6 billion in annual revenue from tobacco sources such as the tobacco settlement agreement and taxes on cigarettes, and anticipates receiving a bonus payment of $28 million beginning this year.  Michigan does not spend any of the money it receives from the Master Settlement Agreement on tobacco prevention programming.

 Work continues in Genesee County to inform community residents of the benefits of being smoke-free and to increase smoke-free environments.  

The full study is available at http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/98/2/304. For more information contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612.

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