Statement from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Government Relations Director Doug Hogan
FRANKFORT, KY – "As lawmakers prepare for the 2024 legislative session and continue to focus on workforce issues, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) urges legislators to prioritize proven tobacco prevention and cessation measures that would improve the health of Kentucky’s workforce.
“ACS CAN urges state lawmakers and Gov. Beshear to invest $10 million annually in fact-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs,” said Doug Hogan, ACS CAN government relations director. “Smoking is estimated to cost Kentucky $2.23 billion in direct health care costs, including $634 million in Medicaid costs annually. Additionally, smoking costs the state an estimated $6.3 billion in productivity costs annually. Kentucky has the opportunity to turn these numbers around with the 2024 budget. For every $1 spent on comprehensive prevention and cessation programs, states receive up to $55 in savings from averted tobacco-related health care costs. So, a $10 million investment would be a great step toward a healthier workforce and could save up to $550 million.
“22.5% of high school students currently use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and 17.4% of adults in Kentucky smoke, which is over 40% higher than the national average,” concluded Hogan. “A well-funded tobacco cessation and prevention program is essential to provide the support needed to help people quit and to prevent kids and young adults from starting to use tobacco, which will improve the health of Kentucky’s workforce in both the short and long term.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.