A campaign from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is requesting that lawmakers approve a yearly $10 million investment towards the state’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly 19.6 percent of Kentucky adults smoked cigarettes in 2021, with 8,900 adults dying from smoking-related illnesses each year.
Doug Hogan is the Cancer Action Network’s government relations director. He says their goal is to have 100,000 less smokers in Kentucky within two to three years.
“What the research tells us is the overwhelming majority of Kentuckians who are using those products want to quit, but it's not easy,” Hogan said. “And so with an increased investment in the programming and increased investment in the resources, we'll be able to reach those people and they'll have a much better chance of being smoke free.”
The CDC also says 22.5 percent of Kentucky high schoolers have reported using a tobacco product.
Hogan says the proliferation of e-cigarettes is a big reason why.
“You look at some of the techniques that some of these companies are using to try and pitch their products,” Hogan said. “You see the splashy packaging, there's a gazillion flavors that you can choose from, and it's all bottled up and wrapped up in a nice bow where it looks so appealing, so attractive.”
The upcoming legislative session begins January 2. More with Hogan is coming up on this week’s edition of Eastern Standard this Thursday.
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