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WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 3, 2017 – Patients, survivors and advocates from four leading public health organizations converged on District of Columbia City Hall on Wednesday to take part in the annual Day with City Councilmembers. The event was organized by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), American Heart Association (AHA), American Lung Association in DC (ALA in DC) and DC Tobacco Free Coalition.
“Today, we are here to make our voices heard on the importance of tobacco control and to advocate for specific policies that can address the leading cause of preventable death in the District,” said Bonita Pennino, government relations director for ACS CAN in the District. “The City Council plays a vital role in helping to control the human and financial costs associated with tobacco use so we are asking for their active engagement in a variety of critical issues.”
The key issues advocates addressed with members of the City Council included increasing the District’s cigarette tax by $2 per pack with a commensurate increase for other tobacco products; fully funding implementation of the District’s new law that prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21; and, fully funding the District’s tobacco control program at $10.7 million.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the District, claiming over 800 lives annually. Additionally, it’s estimated that 7,000 youths now under 18 will ultimately die prematurely due to tobacco use unless more is done to combat tobacco use.
Volunteer advocates had meetings with all 13 Councilmember offices throughout the day to educate them on key tobacco issues.
“Significantly increasing the price of all tobacco products and adequately funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs have proven to be two of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco’s toll,” said Pennino.
About ACS CAN
ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate organization of the American Cancer Society, dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage lawmakers, candidates and government officials to support laws and policies that will make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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