New York gets failing grade for tobacco prevention funding

A new national report finds New York has made progress protecting residents from secondhand smoke and raising tobacco taxes — but the state is falling short where it may matter most: funding programs that help people quit.The latest “State of Tobacco Control” report from the American Lung Association gives New York an F for tobacco prevention funding, even as tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the state.More than 28,000 New Yorkers die each year from tobacco-related illnesses, according to the report .“It is devastating to see the federal government largely abandon its tobacco control efforts,” said Michael Seilback, assistant vice president of nationwide advocacy and state public policy for the Lung Association. “States need to ramp up their tobacco prevention efforts even more to protect residents from disease and addiction caused by tobacco use.”How New York graded outEach year, the Lung Association issues report cards on state policies proven to reduce smoking and save lives.This year, New York received:A – Smokefree workplace lawsB – Tobacco taxesB – Access to quit-smoking servicesD – Ending flavored tobacco salesF – Funding for prevention programsSeilback compared the results to a student’s mixed report card.“If my kids came home with an A, two Bs, a D and an F, it wouldn’t be going on the refrigerator,” he said. “We’d be figuring out how to bring those grades up.”Billions in revenue, millions in preventionOne of the biggest concerns: funding.New York collects roughly $1.5 billion each year from tobacco taxes and legal settlement payments tied to the industry. But only about $33 million is spent on prevention and cessation programs — far below what health experts recommend .The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the state invest more than $200 million annually based on its population.That shortfall, advocates say, means fewer public education campaigns, less community outreach, and fewer resources for quitlines that provide free nicotine patches, counseling, and support.“When you see those hard-hitting ads or hear about free quit help, that funding is what makes that possible,” Seilback said. “Without it, those services shrink.”New products, new challengesWhile cigarette smoking has declined over the decades, health officials say the fight is far from over.Newer products — including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches like Zyn — are gaining popularity, particularly among young people.Use of nicotine pouches in New York has doubled in recent years, according to advocates, and many products remain untaxed or lightly regulated.Flavored tobacco also remains a major concern. Sweet and fruity flavors can mask the harshness of nicotine, making it easier for teens to start using.“Flavors make these products easier to swallow — literally,” Seilback said. “They’re designed to attract kids.”Disparities in marketingSeilback said the industry also targets lower-income communities and communities of color more aggressively with storefront ads and promotions.Neighborhood “walk audits” in places like the Bronx have shown a higher concentration of tobacco marketing near schools and corner stores.“There’s nothing accidental about it,” he said. “These companies know exactly who they’re targeting.”What advocates want nextWith federal tobacco enforcement scaled back in recent years, health groups say states must lead.The Lung Association is urging lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul to:Increase funding for prevention and quit programsTax all tobacco and nicotine products equallyStrengthen enforcement against flavored tobacco salesDespite the setbacks, Seilback says there’s reason for optimism.“There was a time when people smoked everywhere — indoors, restaurants, offices. That’s unthinkable now,” he said. “We know these policies work. If we keep pushing, we can get to a tobacco-free future.”The full report and state grades are available at Lung.org/sotc.