American Lung Association in Florida hosts first ever Tobacco Cessation Summit

Jacksonville, FL (October 6, 2010)—

The American Lung Association in Florida will join fellow members of the Florida Tobacco Cessation Alliance in hosting the first ever Florida Tobacco Cessation Summit in Orlando on Thursday, October 14. This free, one day event will examine the benefits, both economic and health-based, of providing comprehensive smoking cessation coverage to Floridians. Participants representing a broad range of industries will learn about the short and long term positive outcomes that can result from providing comprehensive cessation coverage.

“Each year I see the devastating health effects of tobacco use throughout Florida,” said Martha Bogdan, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Southeast. “We have made great strides in reducing tobacco use through smokefree air laws, increasing the cost of cigarettes and funding tobacco prevention programs. Now it’s time to help those who want to quit smoking succeed by ensuring full access to cessation products and services.”

A recent report released by the American Lung Association, Smoking Cessation: the Economic Benefits, revealed startling numbers related to the true costs of tobacco use in Florida. Smoking can be linked to productivity losses of $4.4 billion, premature death losses of $7.9 billion and direct medical expenditures of $7.2 billion – totaling $19.6 billion in loss to the state. Researchers combined these totals to best calculate the true cost of a pack of cigarettes in Florida, an astounding $16.43. Tobacco cessation programs have consistently proven effective, and as this latest research shows, the benefits of these programs greatly outweigh the cost of implementing them. In fact, smoking cessation is one of the most cost-effective wellness initiative employers can undertake. 

The Summit will feature discussions on tobacco’s impact on smokers, employers and Florida, the benefits of providing smoking cessation treatment, and the recent health care reform and what it means for tobacco addiction treatment in Florida.

Media are invited to attend and encouraged to register for this free summit by visiting www.FloridaTobaccoCessationAlliance.org.

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About the American Lung Association in Florida

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in Florida is the leading organization in the state working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association in Florida, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungfla.org.