Tobacco Control Program

Tobacco Companies Are Targeting You

In recent years Rhode Island has made considerable progress in reducing smoking. Smoking has decreased in adults and high school students. However, not all population groups have benefited equally. Some populations experience disparate health impacts from tobacco as a result of higher smoking rates, high youth initiation rates from targeted marketing by the tobacco industry, or because of other factors increasing the likelihood of members of these populations suffering negative health effects from smoking or secondhand smoke. One of these populations is the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered community. The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) recognizes the need to address health disparities and the impact of tobacco use. Funded by a grant from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HEALTH convened a workgroup of representatives of many of the diversely affected populations and organizations that serve these populations to develop a Rhode Island Strategic Plan to Address Tobacco-Related Health Disparities. A copy of the plan is available.