Statewide smoking rates reach record lows
CHENANGO COUNTY – Smoking trends statewide appear to be on a downward spiral, according to new data released by the New York State Department of Health.
Recent reports from the department note that statewide smoking levels have waned to the lowest rate in recorded history, thanks largely to the state’s wide-ranging tobacco cessation efforts. Smoking among high school kids in particular has seen a dramatic decline over the last four years, dropping 42 percent and remaining at 7.3 percent today.
Meanwhile, the smoking rate among adults has also dipped to 14.5 percent and remains below the national average of 17.8 percent.
In a statement lauding efforts of public health officials, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said these latest trends provide a bright outlook.
“With the lowest smoking rate in recorded history, it’s clear that New York State is becoming healthier than ever,” said Cuomo. “I am proud of these record results, and our administration will continue to build on this success to protect our citizens and support the public health.”
In spite of statewide trends, the final numbers have yet to be tallied in Chenango County. In 2013, Chenango ranked much higher than the statewide average with approximately 24 percent of the local populace lighting up regularly. Compare that to the statewide average of 18 percent.
The structure of state funded smoke cessation programs in Chenango County has changed within the last year. Whereas funds were once disbursed to the Chenango Health Network for administration of Tobacco Free Chenango, the Health Network was not given the same funds this year. Instead, a grant was awarded to the Cortland County Department of Health for administration of a tobacco control program shared by Cortland, Chenango and Tompkins counties.
Still, the three-county program is seeing some positive effects in Chenango County, explained James Mutabiilwa, liaison between Chenango County and the Cortland County Health Department.
“One thing we are doing now is getting back into kids’ programs and working more in schools. I think that’s a very positive thing,” said Mutabiilwa. “Many more local companies are also embracing the tobacco issue than were five years ago, and that’s having an effect. We are doing things locally that are going to have an impact.”
Across the state, New York’s Tobacco Control Program, Prevention Agenda (the state’s official health blueprint), and the state’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan are also being credited for the reduction in smoking rates. These programs focus on evidence-based strategies to promote tobacco cessation through launching aggressive public awareness campaigns, promoting policy solutions to make tobacco less accessible to youth, and widening the availability of resources for individuals looking to break the addiction.
The State Department of Health now has sights on strengthening its efforts to attain a tobacco-free New York, funding two new grants totaling more than $10 million from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Recent reports from the department note that statewide smoking levels have waned to the lowest rate in recorded history, thanks largely to the state’s wide-ranging tobacco cessation efforts. Smoking among high school kids in particular has seen a dramatic decline over the last four years, dropping 42 percent and remaining at 7.3 percent today.
Meanwhile, the smoking rate among adults has also dipped to 14.5 percent and remains below the national average of 17.8 percent.
In a statement lauding efforts of public health officials, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said these latest trends provide a bright outlook.
“With the lowest smoking rate in recorded history, it’s clear that New York State is becoming healthier than ever,” said Cuomo. “I am proud of these record results, and our administration will continue to build on this success to protect our citizens and support the public health.”
In spite of statewide trends, the final numbers have yet to be tallied in Chenango County. In 2013, Chenango ranked much higher than the statewide average with approximately 24 percent of the local populace lighting up regularly. Compare that to the statewide average of 18 percent.
The structure of state funded smoke cessation programs in Chenango County has changed within the last year. Whereas funds were once disbursed to the Chenango Health Network for administration of Tobacco Free Chenango, the Health Network was not given the same funds this year. Instead, a grant was awarded to the Cortland County Department of Health for administration of a tobacco control program shared by Cortland, Chenango and Tompkins counties.
Still, the three-county program is seeing some positive effects in Chenango County, explained James Mutabiilwa, liaison between Chenango County and the Cortland County Health Department.
“One thing we are doing now is getting back into kids’ programs and working more in schools. I think that’s a very positive thing,” said Mutabiilwa. “Many more local companies are also embracing the tobacco issue than were five years ago, and that’s having an effect. We are doing things locally that are going to have an impact.”
Across the state, New York’s Tobacco Control Program, Prevention Agenda (the state’s official health blueprint), and the state’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan are also being credited for the reduction in smoking rates. These programs focus on evidence-based strategies to promote tobacco cessation through launching aggressive public awareness campaigns, promoting policy solutions to make tobacco less accessible to youth, and widening the availability of resources for individuals looking to break the addiction.
The State Department of Health now has sights on strengthening its efforts to attain a tobacco-free New York, funding two new grants totaling more than $10 million from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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