Pennsylvania not stacking up in Smoking Prevention Programs
By: Carolyn Donaldson
Updated: December 6, 2012
When it comes to educating children about the dangers of tobacco use, Pennsylvania doesn't even crack the top 20, according to a new report.
For this fiscal year, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids says Pennsylvania ranks 28th in the nation for prevention programs.
Currently the Commonwealth spends roughly $14 million on tobacco prevention. It's a slight increase over last year. The state will collect more than $1 billion from a tobacco settlement this year -- but only 1% will go toward those programs. That means for every dollar the state collects only a penny is spent to combat its use.
According to the report -- titled 'Broken Promises to our Children' -- it's the same trend seen nationally, with only two states meeting the spending suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control.
The monetary impact of smokers on the state is staggering.
The CDC says Pennsylvania spends more than $5 billion annually on health care costs tied to smoking -- and you're footing part of the bill. It's estimated every household pays $659 in smoking-caused expenditures.
So how do we stack up against the rest of the nation?
Roughly 130,000 high school students statewide smoke -- that's about 18 1/2%. Nationally, the rate is 18. 1%
More adults in Pennsylvania also smoke compared to the national average.
The CDC says 24 % of the keystone states adults smoke -- 5 % higher than the nation.
For this fiscal year, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids says Pennsylvania ranks 28th in the nation for prevention programs.
Currently the Commonwealth spends roughly $14 million on tobacco prevention. It's a slight increase over last year. The state will collect more than $1 billion from a tobacco settlement this year -- but only 1% will go toward those programs. That means for every dollar the state collects only a penny is spent to combat its use.
According to the report -- titled 'Broken Promises to our Children' -- it's the same trend seen nationally, with only two states meeting the spending suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control.
The monetary impact of smokers on the state is staggering.
The CDC says Pennsylvania spends more than $5 billion annually on health care costs tied to smoking -- and you're footing part of the bill. It's estimated every household pays $659 in smoking-caused expenditures.
So how do we stack up against the rest of the nation?
Roughly 130,000 high school students statewide smoke -- that's about 18 1/2%. Nationally, the rate is 18. 1%
More adults in Pennsylvania also smoke compared to the national average.
The CDC says 24 % of the keystone states adults smoke -- 5 % higher than the nation.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.