Tennessee still ranks among top smoking states

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – Despite years of prevention and cessation programs, the state of Tennessee is still ranked number 7 in the country in the number of tobacco users.

How are those programs working in Hamilton county?

“In the general population, our smoking rate is around twenty percent and it has greatly reduced, you know, in the last twenty years or so..but again we would like that rate to be zero.”

When it comes to smokers, West Virginia has the most per capita according to new figures. In a free country people can use tobacco if they want to. And, health warnings are often ignored.

There’s progress in Hamilton county, but the focus is on youth.

“And then in terms of youth, we know that the youth rates have reduced as well, but we’re also watching the impact of e-cigarettes on youth and they’re more likely to use those products.”

Those e-cigarettes, according to the health department are filled with chemicals and are not a safe alternative.

Ms. Collier sees tobacco taxes as helping people decide to quit.

Tennessee and 44 other states have been getting money from the Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies since 1998.

Senator Bo Watson says, “Under the MSA, Tennessee over the course through about 2025 will probably receive in the neighborhood of about 4.5 Billion dollars, and of that money it’s supposed to be used to reduce the incidence of cigarette smoking and of course have a positive effect on the health and welfare of the citizens of the state.”

That money is being used for most anti-smoking efforts, and other heath issues in Tennessee, according to Senator Watson.

He believes smoking is not only an addiction, but also a behavioral and cultural issue.

He sees another possible benefit for the cessation program.

Senator Watson adds “When something is no longer cool, people don’t do it. When people are educated and when people know the ill effects of a product, people are less likely to do it.”