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The annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control 2007 report has been released.  This national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smokefree air, tobacco control program funding, cigarette taxes and youth access to tobacco.  Maryland scored grades of "B" in cigarette tax, "D" in tobacco prevention and control spending, "B" in smokefree air and "F" for youth access to tobacco.

Maryland made great strides recently by passing a comprehensive smokefree air law and increasing the tobacco tax, both of which will help significantly reduce the smoking rate in Maryland.  But quitting is not easy and our fellow residents need all the help they can get by having access to cessation programs.  It is critical that Maryland invest tobacco settlement dollars to prevent our children from becoming addicted to tobacco and help adult smokers kick the habit. This is a sound investment that will save lives and reduce our state’s health care costs.

The evidence that these programs work is clear:  what Maryland needs now is the political will.  Three reports were issued last year – all of which recognized the need for Maryland to fully fund a tobacco prevention and control program.  In October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs, 2007, affirming that investments in tobacco prevention programs save lives and money.  Also in 2007, the prestigious Institute of Medicine and the President’s Cancer Panel both issued independent reports, which concluded that tobacco prevention and cessation programs are effective and essential components of a national strategy to reduce tobacco use. 

Please take a moment to send a letter to our governor to support an increase in Maryland’s investment in comprehensive tobacco control programs to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention new recommended spending levels.