The American Lung Association (ALA) released Louisiana’s report card on tobacco prevention and control as part of its 2023 “State of Tobacco Control.” States were graded on five categories: Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Funding, Smokefree Air, Tobacco Taxes, Access to Cessation Services, and Flavored Tobacco Products. Louisiana received three F’s, one D, and one C. ALA senior director of Advocacy Ashley Lyerly said Louisiana is not investing nearly enough in tobacco abuse prevention.
“Currently the state is only spending about 11% of what is recommended by CDC best practices for investment in tobacco prevention control activities across the state.”
Lyerly said Louisiana has the 38th lowest tax on tobacco in the nation. The report highlighted the expansion of the statewide smokefree air law to include bars and casinos as the state’s best opportunity to improve protection.
“Almost 70% of the population is still not protected from exposure to secondhand smoke in all workplaces, so that’s one key vehicle we could look to improve in the state of Louisiana.”
Lyerly said that while Louisiana has not seen much grade improvement over recent years, local municipalities have led the charge in public health protections from secondhand smoke, but only about 30% of Louisiana residents are now fully protected by comprehensive smokefree air ordinances. Lyerly said that Louisiana can continue to improve.
“We just need to continue to maintain our funding for tobacco prevention control and, if we can, increase that funding that will ultimately result in a grade change but also just a reduction in tobacco use.”
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S. and Louisiana and accounts for almost two billion dollars in health care costs for the state.
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