I can't help but wonder how Oregon compares to the nation, since at least half of the state population lives in the Portland Metro area, and Portland prides itself on being a weird, hippie progressive city....
According to the CDC, Oregon ranked 18th in the US in cigarette use (19.7%) and 26th in smokeless tobacco use in 2011. About half of "all adults" in Oregon reported being exposed to secondhand smoke, which costs the nation billions of dollars in healthcare. Even though Oregon passed laws to prohibit smoking in public places, it's barely above the national average regarding smoke-free homes and workplaces. I've read all over the place that about half of the country's smokers attempt to quit each year, but guess where Oregon stands... About 46% of Oregonian smokers tried to quit in 2009-2010, ranking Oregon 49th in the state. That's out of fifty states, people. I understand half the state tried to quit, but being in 49th place means other states are trying harder. So WTF, Oregon? Even worse, Oregon ranked in the thirties regarding anti-tobacco media campaigns, and 34th in knowledge of secondhand smoke harmfulness, but get this! Oregon ranked 6th place in the nation in belief of nicotine addictiveness..... Srsly, wtf? If you know it's so addictive, why aren't you trying harder to prevent it, treat it, and ban it?
The CDC reports that states spend a fraction of their tobacco revenue (from taxes and settlements) on tobacco prevention and cessation. Oregon ranks 20th, spending $8.3 million of our $332 million revenue on prevention last year. For you visual learners:
[These photos are from the Broken Promise Report 2011]
So where is the rest of the money going? One has to question how many billions of dollars wouldn't be spent on healthcare if more was spent on tobacco prevention. If anyone has any answers or avenues I can follow, please let me know!
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