Oregon Failing To Prevent Smoking, Says American Lung Association

PORTLAND, OR – Oregon needs to do more to get people to stop smoking, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. The ALA looked at all 50 states and Oregon was one of 43 states whose efforts to stop smoking received a "F."

Oregon also was given a failing grade for its level of tobacco taxes. With a $1.33 a pack tax, Oregon is one of 34 states to get a "F" in that category as well.

"We know how to save lives – with the proven tobacco control policies called for in ‘State of Tobacco Control'," American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer said in a release.

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"This year's report finds a disturbing failure of the federal government and states to take action to prevent and reduce tobacco use in 2018, placing the health and lives of Americans at risk, including our youth."

Oregon also got a low grade - "D" – when it came to providing access to services to help people stop smoking.

There was some good news.

Oregon got an "A" when it came to smoke-free air and an "A" when it comes to keeping tobacco out of the hands of people under 21-years-old.

Some other highlights:

• There were 5,470 Oregonian deaths attributed to smoking;
• The economic cost of smoking in the state is $1,547,762,592; and
• While 7.7 percent of high schoolers smoke, 18.9 percent use tobacco.

YOU CAN READ THE WHOLE REPORT HERE

Photo via American Lung Association.