RI Receives Mixed Results in State of Tobacco Control Report

RI Receives Mixed Results in State of Tobacco Control Report

The American Lung Association has released its 14th annual "State of Tobacco Control" report that finds that Rhode Island had mixed results on tobacco control policies in 215. 

See the Grades Below:

•    Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Funding – Grade F
•    Tobacco Taxes - Grade B
•    Smokefree Air - Grade A
•    Access to Cessation Services - Grade D

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The report also has found that most states and the federal government earned poor grades, and the high level of youth use of tobacco products other than cigarettes threatens to undermine the United States overall progress in the fight against tobacco-caused death and disease. 

“While we celebrate successful tobacco control policies in Rhode Island, we must also face the reality that young people are using tobacco products like e-cigarettes and little cigars at an all-time high,” said Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “Nearly a quarter of high school students nationwide are using tobacco products, and it is essential that Rhode Island take aggressive action to reduce all tobacco use – the #1 cause of preventable death and disease in our nation," said Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association. 

American Lung Association Calls for Changes 

The American Lung Association of the Northeast has called on Rhode Island to act on raising the price of cheap, flavored cigars and dedicate a portion of the additional tax revenue to fund the RI Tobacco Control Program, add e-cigarettes to Rhode Island's smoke free laws and raise the minimum sale age for tobacco products to 21. 

“We know how to reduce tobacco use, it’s no mystery. High tobacco prices, smoke free environments, and robust tobacco control programs are the proven trifecta to lower smoking rates and save lives. And new data shows that raising the age of tobacco purchase from 18 to 21 will further lower smoking rates and prevent our children from becoming the next generation hooked on tobacco. The ‘State of Tobacco Control’ Report Card for 2016 shows that Rhode Island’s elected officials can and must do more to save lives," said Karina Holyoak Wood, Director of Health Education and Public Policy in Rhode Island. 

American Lung Association of the Northeast 

The American Lung Association of the Northeast is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis. 

The American Lung Association in the Northeast serves CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT.