Ohio has made positive strides in tobacco policy this past legislative session and we need to keep the momentum going. The evidence that these programs work is clear: what Ohio needs is continued political will. Three reports were issued last year, all of which recognized the need for Ohio 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 Presidents 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.
Sign the petition supporting continued tobacco prevention and control efforts in Ohio.
I support continued tobacco prevention and control efforts in Ohio. It is critical that Ohio 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 states health care costs.
Please support all efforts to help smokers quit and keep kids from starting:
*Fund Ohio's tobacco prevention and treatment program
*Support policies that limit exposure to secondhand smoke
*Keep cigarette prices high to discourage demand; and
*Assure that youth access to tobacco products is restricted
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Your address]
