Fund programs to stop kids from smoking

To the Editor:

On May 24, I will travel to Providence to represent cancer patients and survivors from Johnston to call on Rhode Island’s state legislature to make cancer related health policies a priority. I plan to meet with State Representative Stephen Ucci and State Senator Frank Lombardo III, and ask them to support legislation that would help to combat cancer causing tobacco addiction here in the Ocean State.  

How can we do that?  It’s time to get back to basics and do what we know works in tobacco use prevention and cessation – the combination of regular significant tobacco tax increases, investments in tobacco prevention and cessation programs that use proven best practices, and comprehensive smoke-free laws that cover all workplaces. 

Specifically, we have the opportunity here in Rhode Island to fight tobacco use by funding programs that prevent kids from smoking and help adults quit. Rhode Island currently ranks 42nd in the nation in this area, with a tobacco control program that was funded at a level of $3.1 million before the gradual decline to the current level of $375,622. It’s time we do more.

We will let our lawmakers know that Rhode Islanders are counting on them to take a stand by supporting what works to prevent cancer. It’s time to finish the fight against this devastating disease. It’s not too late to join me! Visit acscan.org/RIDATSH if you would like to help make the fight against cancer a policy priority here in Rhode Island. 

Karen McCahey

Volunteer

ACS CAN

Johnston