The percentage of adults smoking in Massachusetts reached a historic low in 2007, dropping 8 percent from 2006 to 2007 (EOHHS press release here). Only 16.4% of the adult population is smoking, and the number continues to fall. This gives Massachusetts the fourth-lowest smoking rate in the country, numbers that Commissioner John Auerbach and Secretary JudyAnn Bigby both called “astonishing” and “wonderful.”
At a State House event today, Representative Koutoujian, Representative Walrath, and Senator Fargo all spoke to the efficacy of health reform and its impact on tobacco control. The drop in smoking from 2007 to 2008 is expected to be even greater, thanks to the recent $1/pack excise tax increase.
Secretary Bigby announced that the state’s Quit-line is extending their nicotine patch giveaway through August 31st because of increased need for the service, demonstrated by the excess of 5,000 calls in July (up from 328 calls in July 2007). Massachusetts smokers who call the Quit-line at 1-800-879-8678 will receive a free, two-week supply of patches.
We applaud the steps the Department has taken in renewing its commitment to tobacco control and look forward to results the state will benefit from as that commitment continues, including a reduction in preventable deaths, and a reduction in health care costs. For more info, contact the states’ tobacco control site, www.makesmokinghistory.org, or Tobacco Free Mass.
Courtney Chelo
