HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY. – “Today, area high school and middle school students from around Northern Kentucky joined together to learn about the harms of tobacco use at the Northern Kentucky Regional Youth Summit on Vaping/Tobacco Prevention. Currently, 29.7% of Kentucky high school students use tobacco products, and 34% of cancer deaths in the state are attributed to smoking. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) participated in the event today to help reduce the burden of tobacco and cancer on the state.
“With the highest proportion of smoking-related cancer cases and deaths in the country, Kentucky lawmakers can and must do better to prevent tobacco use. On the local level, ACS CAN is working with city councils to pass smoke-free laws which ensure that everyone who lives, works, and plays in a city can take comfort in knowing their right to smoke-free air is respected and protected.
“On the state level, ACS CAN is working with state lawmakers to increase funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs through the Department of Health. Increasing funding to $10 million would benefit Kentucky’s youth by reducing their smoking rate by 2.9%, keeping 2,800 kids from becoming adults who smoke and preventing 900 kids from dying prematurely from smoking.
“Right now, we face skyrocketing tobacco use rates among our youth, largely due to e-cigarette use. It is time for our local and state elected officials to take a stand. ACS CAN looks forward to working with cities around Kentucky to go smoke-free and the state legislature to increase tobacco control funding.”
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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.