DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 7, 2006 DHSS-116-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE RANKS 2ND IN U.S. IN PROTECTING KIDS FROM TOBACCO
Delaware has been recognized again as a national leader in protecting kids from tobacco. In a report released by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and American Lung Association, Delaware ranks 2nd among the states in funding tobacco prevention programs.
Delaware is one of only three states that currently fund tobacco prevention programs at or above the minimum amounts recommended by the CDC. Delaware currently spends $10.3 million a year on tobacco prevention programs, which meets the recommendation of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that Delaware spend between $8.6 million and $18.5 million a year.
"Under Governor's Minner's leadership, Delaware has made significant progress in reducing tobacco use with a comprehensive approach that includes well-funded tobacco prevention and cessation programs, tobacco tax increases and smoke-free air laws," said Vince Meconi, Cabinet Secretary Delaware Health and Social Services. "The evidence is conclusive that Delaware's state tobacco prevention and cessation programs work to reduce smoking, save lives and save money by reducing tobacco-caused health care costs. In the last 7 years alone, smoking among Delaware students is down over 50%."
The report’s other key findings for Delaware include:
- The tobacco companies spend more than $113 million a year on marketing in Delaware. This is 11 times what the state spends on tobacco prevention.
- Delaware this year will collect $106.9 million from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes and will spend 9.6 percent of it on tobacco prevention.
The full report is available at: http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements/
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
