Georgia Fails Most Categories in American Lung Association’s State of Tobacco Control Annual Report Card

Atlanta, GA (January 19, 2012)—

Georgia failed almost every category in the American Lung Association’s State of Tobacco Control 2012 report, released today. These disappointing grades are due to the consistent failure to increase Georgia’s cigarette tax, inadequate funding for tobacco prevention programs and lack of coverage for quit smoking treatments and services for state workers and Medicaid recipients.

State of Tobacco Control 2012 grades state and federal policies that are proven to reduce tobacco-related disease. Grades are calculated by comparing policies against standards that are based on the most current, recognized scientific criteria for effective tobacco control measures. The complete report, including federal and state grades, is available at www.stateoftobaccocontrol.org.

“Georgia has the fourth lowest tobacco tax in the nation—at $0.37 per pack it is far below some surrounding states and the national average of $1.46 per pack,” said June Deen, state director and director of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Georgia. Supporters and advocates call on our legislators to make the right choice and increase our cigarette tax by $1 a pack, which will allow Georgia to see impressive economic and health benefits in the short and long term.”

Georgia received an “F” in Tobacco Prevention and Control Spending, and “F” in Cigarette Tax Rates, a “C” in Smokefree Air and an “F” in Cessation Coverage. Georgia’s failure to provide coverage of tobacco cessation treatments to all Medicaid enrollees was highlighted in the report.

“While there are many areas in tobacco control where Georgia can improve, increasing the cigarette tax is considered the most effective way to help adult smokers quit and deter youth from starting,” concludes Deen. 

The federal government earned an “A” for U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation of tobacco products; a “C” for coverage of tobacco cessation treatments under major federal healthcare programs; a “D” for the federal cigarette tax; and a “D” for signing but failing to ratify the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, an international treaty.

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About the American Lung Association in Georgia

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in Georgia 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 Georgia, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungGA.org.