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Statement: NYC Smoking Rate Plateau Signals Need For Increased Action
September 20, 2013
Statement from Michele Bonan, Regional Director of Advocacy,
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Metro NY on the NYC Smoking Rate Plateau
Today’s announcement in the Mayor’s Monthly Report shows a plateau in overall adult smoking rates after a decade of declines. Between 2010- 2012, the NYC overall adult smoking plateaued at 15.5%.
“The stall in smoking reduction is a clarion call to implement bold new action immediately to combat tobacco use – the number one cause of cancer death in New York and the country. ACS CAN calls upon the NY City Council to pass the life-saving measures currently under consideration. These sensible bills will keep tobacco products out of the sight of kids, crack down on illegal cigarette sales, and increase the minimum age of sale of tobacco. NYC must maintain its place as a leader in the fight against big tobacco,” said Michele Bonan, Regional Director of Advocacy for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Additionally, it’s time to double-down on the tools we know work: hard hitting media campaigns, and comprehensive smoking cessation programs.”
New York City has long been a champion in reducing youth and adult smoking and ultimately saving tens of thousands of lives through evidence-based strategies. These proven strategies have resulted in smoking rates significantly lower than the national average of 19.2%, and a youth smoking rate (8.5%) that is less than one-half the national youth smoking rate (18.1%).
A comprehensive package of legislation is before the City Council that could further reduce youth smoking and help end the stall in adult smoking declines. For more information on these bills, visit savenyckids.org.
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