The American Lung Association (ALA) released the Louisiana Tobacco Prevention and Control Testimony as part of its 2023 State of Tobacco Control. States were grouped into five categories: tobacco prevention and control program funding, smoke-free air, tobacco taxes, access to cessation services, and flavored tobacco products. Louisiana received three Fs, a D, and a C. Ashley Lyerly, ALA’s senior director of advocacy, said Louisiana is not investing nearly enough in tobacco abuse prevention.
“Currently, the state spends only about 11% of what is recommended by CDC Best Practices for investment in tobacco prevention control activities statewide.”
According to Lyerly, Louisiana has the 38th lowest tobacco tax in the country. The report highlighted the extension of the statewide smoke-free air law to bars and casinos as the state’s best opportunity to increase protection.
“Nearly 70% of the population is still not protected from secondhand smoke in all workplaces, so this is an important resource we could improve in the state of Louisiana.”
Lyerly said that while Louisiana hasn’t seen significant improvements in recent years, local communities have taken the lead in protecting public health from second-hand smoke, but only about 30% of Louisiana residents are now fully protected by comprehensive smoke-free air ordinances are. Lyerly said Louisiana could keep improving.
“We just need to continue to maintain our tobacco prevention control funds and, if we can, increase those funds that will ultimately lead to class change, but only to tobacco reduction.”
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and Louisiana, and accounts for nearly $2 billion in health care costs for the state.
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