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Eliminating Tobacco Disparities Health Disparities Council July 16, 2012. State of Lung Disease in Diverse Communities. Compared to White smokers, Black smokers were: 70% less likely to be asked by a doctor about their tobacco use 72% less likely to be advised to quit.
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Eliminating Tobacco Disparities Health Disparities Council July 16, 2012
State of Lung Disease in Diverse Communities • Compared to White smokers, Black smokers were: • 70% less likely to be asked by a doctor about their tobacco use • 72% less likely to be advised to quit
Cost of Tobacco Use 9,000 adults die every year in MA from tobacco use. For every person who dies from a smoking-related disease, 20 people suffer from a smoking-related illness. We spend over $4.3 billion a year treating tobacco-related illnesses in Massachusetts. That represents 10% of our state’s health care costs.
Community Awareness: Rhode Island • Point of Purchase/Retail Advertising: • Increases current smokers’ consumption • May reduce current smokers’ resolve to quit • Encourages former smokers to resume their habit • Encourages youth smoking initiation
East Side Population = 34,580 Area = 4.27 sq mi 36 Vendors 27 Outdoor Ads South Side/West Side Population = 38,718 Area = 2.83 sq. mi. 66 Vendors 153 Outdoor Ads Minority Pop = 7.5% - 20% Minority Pop = 70.1% -95.4% Minority Pop = 20% - 50% Providence, RI 2007-2008
Community Awareness: New York City • Youth-led walking tours in all 5 boroughs of NYC • Highlighted tobacco ads that target the community • Engaged decision makers
“Eye level is buy level.” - British American Tobacco
Policy Solutions: Local Permitting Packaging Point of Purchase/Retail Advertising Expanding Products Covered Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products
Tobacco Free Pharmacies 38 communities in Massachusetts have passed policies including: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell Cover 32.2% of state population (over 2 million people) State legislation filed by Chairwoman Susan Fargo and Representative Sean Garballey
Policy Solutions: State Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Funding Tax policy Access to tobacco cessation treatments Smokefree laws
Massachusetts Tobacco Revenue vs. Spending http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/what_we_do/state_local/tobacco_settlement/massachusetts
Increase Price, Decrease Consumption The number of packs sold in Massachusetts decreased 59% from FY92 to FY10. State excise tax revenue from cigarettes increased 6% annually.
Other Tobacco Products Tax Loophole State Cigarette tax = $2.51 per pack Lower tax rate on kid-friendly, non-cigarette tobacco products Legislation filed by Representative Hecht to close this loophole.
Helping Smokers Quit Source: MA Department of Public Health, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1998- 2008
Smoking Cessation Treatments Comprehensive insurance coverage of 7 FDA-approved medications & counseling options Expanding MassHealth cessation benefit to Group Insurance Commission and Commonwealth Care plans would save $1.4 million in Year 1 and $7.4 million by Year 5.
Going Smokefree Protecting our 2004 Smokefree Workplace Law Institutions – Academic, Health Care Public & Private Housing Outdoor spaces Cars
Policy Solutions: Federal Cessation Coverage • Affordable Care Act • Federal Employees & Department of Defense FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products • Graphic Warning Labels • Ban on flavored cigarettes (Menthol TBD)
Engaging Policy Partners Across the Health Sector Education Elder Affairs Housing Veterans
Questions? Katie King Director, Public Policy kking@lungne.org (781) 314 – 9011