New Report by the American Lung Association Names Maine “Most Quit-Friendly State”

Augusta, ME (December 7, 2011)—

Maine ranks first in the country for the help it offers people living in Maine to quit smoking, according to the American Lung Association’s “Helping Smokers Quit: Tobacco Cessation Coverage 2011” report that cites the five most quit friendly states in the nation. Maine encourages other states to follow its example.

“The nationwide American Lung Association report congratulates Maine for our significant progress over the past 10 years in ensuring that smokers can easily get help to quit,” said Edward Miller, Senior VP of Health Promotion and Public Policy for the American Lung Association of New England.

Maine is considered the most quit-friendly state in the country, according to the American Lung Association, thanks to its decade long commitment to tobacco cessation.  Maine state government provides a comprehensive tobacco cessation benefit to its state employees and their family members.  The state currently provides a comprehensive benefit to its low-income Medicaid enrollees.

The recently proposed Governor’s budget would drastically change that benefit by eliminating tobacco cessation medications.  Tobacco treatment is one of the most cost-effective health care services and has been shown to save two dollars for every dollar invested in one year. In addition, the Maine Tobacco HelpLine was cited as a strong factor in Maine’s effort to help smokers quit.

“We are proud that once again Maine has been identified as a leader in preventing disease and supporting efforts that will both improve health and control health care costs for Maine businesses and families,” continued Miller. “Maine policymakers have consistently supported funding for tobacco prevention and cessation from the Fund for a Healthy Maine. It is great to see Maine get the attention it deserves for its decade of commitment. We will strongly oppose any measures to weaken the provision of this cost effective and life saving service.”

The American Lung Association of New England is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. ALANE serves CT, MA, ME, NH, RI and VT.

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