SYRACUSE -- A new report gives new york a failing grade for its lack of funding for smoking cessation programs.
The report, backed by the American Lung Association, found New York State's funding for tobacco control programs to be more than 70% less than the level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
Pat Briest, coordinator for the St. Joseph's Hospital Tobacco Cessation Center, says funding cuts make it difficult to educate smokers about the programs available to them.
"This product was made to addict people, and it does it well. Our job is to show them they can quit," she says.
An average of 64 smokers are die in New York State each day from smoking related illnesses. Briest, whose father died from lung cancer, says studies show a dollar spent on tobacco control programs yields two dollars in savings for medical costs over time.
"I saw at a young age the devasatation it causes a family when a loved one dies. My mother was left alone with eight kids to raise. So I see that, I remember that," she says.
For more information, visit www.tobaccofreeonondaga.org.
Original Story:
A new report from the American Lung Association shows most states are failing when it comes to curbing smoking and tobacco use.
The report found 40 states and the District of Columbia received an "F" when it comes to funding tobacco prevention and control programs. New York State is among those, although it did receive an "A" in two other areas. Click here for the state's "report card."
Take a look at the report for yourself. What should be done to help people kick the habit?
