Media Release

FOR: Release on November 18, 1999 3:30 p.m.
DATE: November 17, 1999
CONTACT: John Fulton, PhD 401-222-1394, ext. 115

Rhode Island Smoking Report Card

Providence, Rhode Island, November 18, 1999 – In recognition of the American Cancer Society's 23^rd Great American Smokeout, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has released a report card to evaluate progress toward a tobacco-free Rhode Island. The report card rates trends in major smoking indicators and highlights areas which require additional efforts. Grades of A and B indicate progress, C indicates little or no change, and F signals worsening trends.

1. Cessation -- adults quitting smoking: Grade C +

While there has been some progress reducing the number of people who smoke, the rate of reduction has been slow.

2. Prevention -- adolescents avoiding smoking: Grade F

HEALTH applauds the majority of youth in grades 9-12 who have decided not to smoke. Unfortunately, 34% of their classmates do. HEALTH challenges state leaders, local communities, youth organizations, schools, and parents to do more to prevent smoking among our children.

3. Freedom from secondhand smoke:

a. Workplaces: Grade B +

Almost 9 out of 10 workplaces are nearly or completely smoke-free. HEALTH extends a hearty thank you to the large number of businesses that have gone smoke-free.

b. Restaurants: Grade C -

Although almost 500 restaurants do not allow smoking, more than 4000 restaurants do! For non-smoking families, children are more likely to be exposed to second hand smoke in restaurants than anywhere else! In response, HEALTH is issuing an alert to parents:

4. Freedom for smoking related lung cancer:

a. New cases of disease: Grade C -
b. Deaths from disease: Grade B -

Fewer Rhode Island men but more women are getting lung cancer or dying from the disease. We must help smokers quit sooner, before they develop these deadly cancers.

Dr. Patricia Nolan, Director of the Department of Health said, "We must do more now to keep our children from becoming smokers. Rhode Island children must not be able to buy tobacco, and cigarette advertising must be strictly limited. The younger people start smoking cigarettes, the more likely they are to become strongly addicted to nicotine. Among addictive behaviors, cigarette smoking is the one most likely to take hold during adolescence. Although most teens want to quit, only small numbers of teenagers actually do. Prevention is the key. Adults must become better role models. They need to protect children from second-hand smoke! They need to quit smoking, themselves!"

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us