A recent report by the American Lung Association highlights the urgent need for Delaware lawmakers to prioritize funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The 2025 "State of Tobacco Control" report evaluates both state and federal policies aimed at reducing tobacco use, recommending effective laws and policies to save lives.
The report assesses states and the District of Columbia in five key areas that are proven to curb tobacco use. According to Deb Brown, Chief Mission Officer at the American Lung Association in Delaware, "This year’s ‘State of Tobacco Control’ report examines the tobacco industry’s increasingly aggressive actions to addict a new generation to tobacco and hinder proven public policies." Brown notes that lobbyists are working at the state level to weaken these policies while introducing youth-targeted products like e-cigarettes with kid-friendly flavors.
"In 2025, policymakers in Delaware must focus on protecting and increasing funding for tobacco prevention and quit smoking programs," adds Brown. This call comes despite Delaware receiving $112,300,000 from various sources but only allocating 84.1% of CDC-recommended funds towards tobacco control efforts.
Delaware State Senator Nicole Poore acknowledges the importance of this data: "The American Lung Association’s State of Tobacco Control report contains valuable data regarding tobacco use nationally and in Delaware." Poore plans to introduce a Senate Resolution recognizing this data's value on January 30.
The report also calls on Congress to fund the FDA more robustly so it can address illegal e-cigarettes introduced by the industry. More information about the grades can be found at Lung.org/sotc.
