Each year more than 8,000 Kentuckians die of illnesses caused by to***co use. Some die of lung cancer, while others fall victim to cardiovascular disease. Annually, Medicaid and Medicare costs exceed an estimated $1.2 billion for treatment of Kentuckians suffering smoking-related diseases and conditions. This equals $300 for each of the four million people living in Kentucky. To help ease the toll
to***co takes on the health of Kentuckians, the state To***co Prevention and Cessation Program has adopted the four Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) goals for reducing the negative health effects of to***co use:
- Preventing the initiation of to***co use among young people
- Promoting cessation among young people and adults
- Eliminating non-smokers exposure to environmental to***co smoke
- Identifying and eliminating the disparities related to to***co and its effects on different population groups
These goals are achieved through a community component based in local health departments. This draws on existing infrastructure and strong links between local groups concerned about reducing the health risks and illness associated with to***co use. To ensure progress toward these goals, a 2008-2013 To***co Program Strategic Plan was developed. Comment Guidelines
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