Despite the fact that smoking comes with a noticeable warning label many have ended up needing in home care because they can no longer breath or function for long periods on time on their own. Smoking has also been known to cause a number of illnesses in those who don’t smoke but are around it. The U.S. has decided that those who chose to smoke will no longer endanger the lives of those who chose not to.

Tobacco Control

A comprehensive tobacco control program is critical in preventing kids from starting to smoke and helping those who smoke quit, and we have consistently advocated for program funding in line with federally recommended funding guidelines. Unfortunately, funding for the program has been decimated by more than 95% in the past few years. A study commissioned by Tobacco Free Mass shows that since 2002, communities that lost programs saw illegal tobacco sales increase by 98%, and these with reduced funding saw rates rise a dramatic 74%. Increasing funding for the state’s tobacco control program remains a priority for Tobacco Free Mass – the health of future generations depends on it.

Medicaid Coverage to Quit Smoking

Adult smoking rates are higher among people who live below the poverty level, including Medicaid recipients. Treatment of smoking- related disease in Massachusetts costs about $2.5 billion annually, and the state pays much of this cost through Medicaid – around $800 million annually. Coverage for people who want to quit smoking would provide a quick and inexpensive way to decrease smoking among Medicaid recipients and reduce their family’s exposure to tobacco smoke. Two years ago, Tobacco Free Mass authored a report detailing the cost savings of investing funding in programs that help smokers quit. The Coalition will continue its outreach and education with officials on Beacon Hill in prescribing funding for Medicaid coverage of stop-smoking services.

Health Disparities and Tobacco

While Massachusetts has made great strides in tobacco prevention and tobacco control, success rates have varied across populations. For instance, adult smoking rates are higher among the population below the poverty level. And with a lack of access to preventive programs and recommended screenings, the uninsured have lower survival rates from tobacco-related diseases. In an attempt to maintain a positive corporate image and build credibility, tobacco companies contribute to minority-related educational, civic, and community organizations. And since the budget cuts to the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program, the state has lost local programs in community-based organizations that provided critical outreach to minority populations and those facing the greatest health disparities. Tobacco Free Mass will work to diminish health disparities to reduce death and disease from tobacco use.

Smoke-Free Workplaces

Death caused by exposure to secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death nationwide. Bar and restaurant workers exposed to secondhand smoke in their workplaces are 50% more likely to die of lung cancer than their counterparts who work in smoke-free establishments. Tobacco Free Mass advocated for a solution: making workplaces smoke-free would protect workers from this known health hazard. Our efforts were rewarded in July, when Massachusetts became the sixth state to go smoke-free. Tobacco Free Mass will continue to dedicate time and resources to educate businesses and patrons about the benefits of being smoke-free and fight moves to weaken or overturn the law.