More than 30 of Georgia’s leading patient and provider groups, health care systems and community leaders have launched “Nobody Quits Like Georgia” — a campaign dedicated to connecting smokers with the help they need to quit.
With events and activities across the state, Nobody Quits Like Georgia partners are offering assistance and resources to help smokers quit successfully, especially because the rate of smoking in Georgia is significantly higher than the national average.
Nearly 19 percent of adults in our state are cigarette smokers. Tobacco use kills more than 11,000 Georgians each year — more than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide and illegal drugs combined. Nearly one in six deaths in Georgia is related to smoking.
While all smokers desperately need to hear the message that the first step in kicking the habit is to seek help, there is more Georgia can and should do as a state.
A recently released USA Today analysis shows Georgia has some of the nation’s sickest residents, yet spends less than 20 percent of the federal government’s recommended minimum for tobacco education and enforcement.
One way Georgia can take action is by raising the state cigarette tax.
The national average for a state cigarette tax is $1.60. Georgia’s tax of just 37 cents per pack is the 48th lowest in the nation — even though polls conducted in this state have consistently shown broad voter support for increasing it.
Increasing the price of cigarettes is a proven way to deter smoking, especially among kids. After the federal cigarette tax jumped from 39 cents to $1.01 per pack in 2009, for example, teen smoking immediately fell 10 percent. And since 80 to 90 percent of adult smokers acquired the habit before the age of 18, we know cigarette tax increases lead to fewer adult smokers now and in the future.
There is no doubt bringing Georgia’s cigarette tax in line with those of other states would help discourage smoking, especially among the 10 percent of teens in our state who currently smoke and those who would otherwise start. A cigarette tax hike also could bring much-needed funding to the state’s tobacco prevention program, the Tobacco Quit Line and many important health initiatives.
Annual health care costs in Georgia directly caused by smoking total an estimated $3.18 billion. Our Medicaid costs due to smoking alone are upwards of $650 million a year.
These numbers are staggering, but the personal cost of losing a loved one prematurely or living with a debilitating chronic disease due to smoking is much greater. And that is happening to far too many Georgia families.
It isn’t easy to quit smoking. Smoking is not only habit-forming, some studies suggest it is as addictive as heroin. Recent Gallup polling shows as many as 85 percent of smokers have tried to give it up and failed at least once. Most smokers try quitting eight to 11 times before they quit for good.
Public policy plays an important role in curbing smoking. There is no doubt smokers benefit from assistance and support, including counseling and treatment, to help them quit, while policies that support smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and bars can help sustain their resolve to stay smoke-free. But on the state level, Georgia also needs a higher cigarette tax so we can raise the price of smoking to ensure that many of our teens will never start.
June Deen is senior vice president of public policy and health promotions for American Lung Association of the Southeast.
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