The American Lung Association recently released their 22nd annual “State of Tobacco Control” report. This report evaluates the actions taken by states and the federal government to enact evidence-based commercial tobacco control laws and policies, which play a crucial role in saving lives and improving community health outcomes for everyone.
This annual report functions as a report card, evaluating state and federal commercial tobacco control policies. It compares these policies to targets based on the most current recognized criteria for effective commercial tobacco control measures. The assessment translates the federal government’s and states relative progress into a letter grade, ranging from “A” (excellent tobacco control policies) to “F” (indicating inadequate policies). State level commercial tobacco control policies are graded in five key areas: 1) commercial tobacco prevention and cessation funding, 2) smokefree air laws, 3) state commercial tobacco excise taxes, 4) access to commercial tobacco cessation treatments and services and 5) state laws to end the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products.
The report serves as a blueprint for state and federal leaders, guiding them in their efforts to eliminate the death and disease caused by commercial tobacco use. It outlines specific actions necessary in 2024 to prevent and reduce commercial tobacco use within each state. Additionally, the American Lung Association provides goals for lawmakers, emphasizing progress and challenges faced in commercial tobacco control at both the state and local levels. These insights go beyond the letter grades assigned in the report, offering valuable context for effective policy implementation.