Day with DC Councilmembers

On April 28, over 30 members of the DC Tobacco Free Coalition gathered at the John A. Wilson Building to discuss a important tobacco control issues to the distict like fully funding the DC Tobacco Control Program, increasing the tobacco purchase age to 21, restricting smokeless tobacco use in sports venues and treating electronic-cigarettes the same as other tobacco products.  

These dozens of DC residents banded together with the support of the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the American Lung Association.  During the  meetings with Councilmembers and their staff, advocates shared startling statistics:

• 95% of smokers start before age 21 and 12.5% of DC teens smoke
• The CDC recommends the District invest $10.7 million to support a comprehensive tobacco control program in the District, which is currently funded at only $1.34 million 
• 800 District residents die from smoking related illnesses each year
• 800,000 packs of cigarettes are purchased by DC teens every year

Day at DC Council was just the start! All advocates are encouraged to make their voices heard and urge the Council to support tobacco control when they consider the FY17 budget on May 17. 

Click here to watch advocates at our Day at DC Council share inspiring messages.