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Tobacco Control Programs Need Adequate Funding and Continued Investment

September 29, 2022

Tobacco is still the number one cause of preventable death nationwide yet the current funding levels for tobacco control programs is not sufficient to prevent and address tobacco-related disparities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that states annually spend 12% of funds from tobacco taxes and lawsuits on tobacco control programs. However, the reality is that in fiscal year 2022 on average states allocated only 21.7% of the CDC recommended funding levels nationwide, with state spending varied widely. Preventing youth and young adults from becoming addicted to tobacco products and helping individuals who currently use these products quit requires sustained and increased funding in comprehensive tobacco control programs.[i]


[i] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014.