Report: Ohio gets “A” for smoking ban, “F” for prevention spending

A new report gives Ohio mixed reviews for its public policies to discourage smoking (Source: “Ohio gets mixed review on anti-smoking policies,” Dayton Daily News, Jan. 13, 2009).

The American Lung Association report gives the state an “A” for enacting a statewide smoking ban and a “C” for its $1.25 tax per pack of cigarettes. However, Ohio was given an “F” for both spending just $7.6 million on tobacco prevention (CDC best practice rate is $145 million) and an “F” for its lack of coverage of cessation programs under Medicaid and state employee health plans.

"The public gets it. The public understands the importance of tobacco control. I don't think the Legislature gets it," said Shelly Kiser, advocacy director for the American Lung Association of Ohio.