Today, the American Lung Association released a report highlighting the effects of federal funding cuts on tobacco prevention and cessation programs. This release comes just before World No Tobacco Day on May 31. The report examines the consequences of budget reductions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically targeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Smoking and Health (OSH). These cuts have significantly impacted state programs that rely on federal support to deter youth tobacco use and assist individuals in quitting.
The report, titled "Lifesaving Programs to Prevent and Reduce Tobacco Use Go Up in Smoke," indicates that several states have reduced their tobacco control efforts due to decreased federal funding. This includes cutbacks in state tobacco quitlines, which offer counseling services via phone or text, as well as educational initiatives aimed at informing youth about the risks associated with tobacco use.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, commented on these developments: “Halting funding for tobacco prevention and quitting programs will lead to more healthcare costs and lives lost. Over the last 50 years, we have made incredible strides as a country to reduce cigarette smoking, and over the past five years, we have seen a 70% reduction in youth vaping. This is in part because of proven effective programs to educate people about the health impacts and help them quit for good. Unfortunately, we aren’t done yet. Tobacco use is still the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the U.S. and takes the lives of 490,000 of our family members, friends and neighbors each year.”
Wimmer further emphasized: “The cuts to the tobacco prevention programs are devastating, and we are already seeing the impacts on people across the U.S. On World No Tobacco Day, the American Lung Association calls on Congress to restore funding for OSH and for the Trump administration to reverse these reckless cuts to the country’s tobacco prevention and quitting activities.”
Despite these challenges, the Lung Association remains committed to its mission across communities nationwide. More information can be found at Lung.org/tobacco or by supporting their efforts through donations at Lung.org/donate.
