Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: November 16, 1998
CONTACT: Robert J. Marshall Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Health (Community Affairs)

Tobacco Industry Submits Settlement Proposal to RI Attorney General
Department of Health Begins Review

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s office confirms that the tobacco industry has proposed a multi-state settlement of claims for the costs to states of treating tobacco-related disease. Rhode Island is one of 37 states which could participate in this proposed settlement.

"A settlement of this lawsuit will not solve tobacco disease problems in Rhode Island," said Dr. Nolan, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. "Tobacco use is the single leading preventable cause of death in Rhode Island. Any settlement will prove hollow if we don’t use the proceeds to eliminate smoking among children and youth, to help current smokers quit, and to assure treatment to those with tobacco-related disease. As long as new smokers are recruited through deceptive advertising, as long as current smokers cannot quit successfully, as long as people suffer disease from exposure to tobacco, our job will not be done."

"Attorney General Pine is a staunch supporter of public health goals in pursuing this lawsuit. I applaud him for his efforts," said Dr. Nolan. "We have worked with a coalition of health agencies to discuss the public health implications of elements of the settlement proposals. The proposed settlement is now available. We are analyzing the proposal to see if it yields the maximum public health benefits for Rhode Island. The Department of Health will review this proposal and advise the Attorney General on whether the settlement (1) creates new opportunity to prevent tobacco addiction, (2) creates new opportunities to treat tobacco addiction and disease, (3) creates barriers to future efforts to eliminate tobacco addiction and disease."

The agreement stipulates that the Attorney General must respond by November 20, 1998.

The settlement is public, and information may be obtained from www.tobacco.org. The Department will share its concerns directly with the Attorney General prior to the close of the comment period.

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Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us