HARRISBURG – The American Lung Association’s 24th annual “State of Tobacco Control Report” was released today and PA’s grades show that the state must step up efforts to reduce tobacco use to protect communities. Tobacco usage remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable death and disease, claiming the lives of over 22,000 state residents each year. The report urges PA lawmakers to focus on preserving state funding for comprehensive tobacco prevention and control programs to curb tobacco use. The “State of Tobacco Control” report grades states in five areas that have been proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. In this year’s report, PA received an F grade for funding for state tobacco prevention programs, the level of state tobacco taxes, and ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products. PA received a D grade for the strength of its smoke-free workplace laws and access to services to quit the use of tobacco. You can access PA’s “State of Tobacco Control Report” by clicking on the banner below.
