CHARLESTON, W. Va. —Today, the West Virginia legislature started a special session that won’t address tobacco use in the state, even though the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and other health organizations have been asking for funding for programs that prevent tobacco use and help those already addicted quit.
The following is a statement from Doug Hogan, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in West Virginia:
"The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is beyond disappointed that Gov. Justice has ignored the toll of tobacco on West Virginians. When calling for the special session, the governor said, “Let’s come up with something that is absolutely good for our people.” Presenting legislators with an investment in tobacco prevention is good for our people. Ignoring the toll Big Tobacco is having on every West Virginia family is not.
“West Virginia consistently ranks 50th in the country when it comes to funding critical programs to reduce tobacco use. As a result, the state has some of the highest tobacco usage rates nationwide for teenagers and adults. Nearly 38% of 4,300 cancer deaths each year can be attributed to smoking, the highest smoking-attributed cancer death rate in the country.
“An investment of $4.5 million in programs that prevent people from starting to use tobacco and help those already addicted quit would protect West Virginia’s youth and save lives by providing additional resources for adults who want to quit.
“It is past time that the governor and state lawmakers increase the investment in robust, fact-based strategies to reduce the toll of cancer and tobacco on West Virginians.”