Tobacco Control Program

The Rhode Island Department of Health is active in supporting youth tobacco prevention. One of the four goals of Rhode Island’s Tobacco Control Program is to prevent new smokers from starting to use tobacco. It is important to stop the cycle of tobacco use before it starts because tobacco is so addictive.  Nearly every adult who smokes - almost 90 percent - took his or her first puff by age 18. More than 5 million children alive today will die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses.