The fight to stop the tobacco industry’s dangerous hold on our country’s health is ever-changing and demands strong, comprehensive public policy change.

Eleven countries signed at trade deal in Chile today that includes language that strengthens tobacco control efforts for the participating countries. Once ratified by the signing countries, tobacco companies won't be able to use the agreement to pursue disputes challenging tobacco control measures adopted by participating countries.

This month marks the 25^th anniversary of a landmark report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that, for the first time, classified secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, known to cause cancer in humans. Over the last quarter century, the tobacco industry has worked hard to stall legislation that would protect Americans from secondhand smoke. But ACS CAN and our public health partners continue to advocate for smoke-free laws until all workplaces are smoke-free. 

While many start to slow down this time of year to turn their focus toward the holidays, ACS CAN volunteers are using every opportunity they can to engage their lawmakers before the end of the year.

 World No Tobacco Day, an annual event organized by the World Health Organization, highlights the dangers of tobacco use and promotes tobacco control policies. One victory I’m particularly proud of on this front is a hard-fought win in Guam to increase the age of sale of tobacco products.

America’s pastime is back and I can hardly wait to get to my first game of the season. I’m even more excited for the 2017 season because, for the first time, nearly half of all Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums across the country (14 of 30) will be tobacco-free. 

But thanks to the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which Congress passed in 2009, the FDA now has regulatory authority over the tobacco industry, reining in its misleading marketing of its deadly products. The law included a ban on terms such as Š—“light,Š— Š—“mildŠ— and Š—“low tarŠ— from tobacco packaging and marketing. Unfortunately, a new study I came across today documents how the tobacco industry is using deceptive tactics to sidestep this ban.

I can hardly believe 2012 is coming to an end. As the new year approaches, I always like to think back on the accomplishments and significant events of the past 12 months. To say ACS CAN was busy this year is an understatement. We had a great year, and I want to share some of our highlights with you.