National Tobacco Control Programs in Action
CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) is the only nationwide investment that supports all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 8 U.S. territories, and 12 tribal organizations to protect kids and help smokers quit. This page highlights some ways states are preventing and reducing tobacco use, while leveraging OSH’s expertise, resources, or technical assistance to maximize their impact.
Impact from the Field
Preventing E-Cigarette and Emerging Tobacco Product Use Among Young People
In 2022, more than 2.5 million US middle and high school students reported currently using e-cigarettes, and over 8 in 10 of them used flavored e-cigarettes. CDC funds 50 states and the District of Columbia to prevent and reduce disease and death from commercial tobacco use.
Preventing E-Cigarette and Emerging Tobacco Product Use Among Young PeopleAlabama in Action
Alabama protected more than 8,600 low-income Alabamans from secondhand smoke exposure in their homes
Each year, about 41,000 Americans die from secondhand smoke exposure. The home is the primary source of secondhand smoke exposure for children. Alabama’s tobacco prevention and control staff—supported by CDC funding—are doing their part to protect Alabama residents in public housing from the risks of secondhand smoke exposure in their homes. CDC and the State of Alabama also provide resources to help people quit smoking. Tyler called 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help to quit smoking. She was also able to get free nicotine patches and counseling.
See Alabama in ActionIndiana in Action
Indiana uses science-based strategy to change attitudes and lower exposure to secondhand smoke
Tobacco use has declined in Indiana in recent years, and 22 cities and counties have adopted comprehensive smoke-free policies to protect their residents from secondhand smoke. However, a majority of Indiana residents are still not covered by comprehensive smoke-free policies and encounter secondhand smoke in public places and at work. Indiana’s tobacco control program—supported by CDC funding—has used a number of strategies to educate citizens and decision-makers about the problem, reduce secondhand smoke exposure, and support people who want to quit using tobacco. Anne, a single mom from Indiana, tried to quit smoking many times. Seeing a CDC Tips From Former Smokers® ad gave her hope to quit smoking and seek help for her depression. With the support of her family and coworkers, Anne was more determined to never smoke again.
See Indiana in ActionKentucky in Action
Kentucky increased access to cessation medications and counseling to help Kentuckians quit using tobacco products
Each year, tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure kills more than 8,800 Kentuckians and costs more than $1.2 billion in Medicaid and Medicare treatment costs. Kentucky’s tobacco control program, which is supported with CDC funding, built strategic partnerships to help ensure that all Kentuckians have access to counseling and FDA-approved medications to help them quit using tobacco products.
See Kentucky in ActionNebraska in Action
Nebraska’s toolkits and training helped 25 housing authorities implement policies to protect residents from secondhand smoke exposure in their homes
In Nebraska, 2,500 adults die from smoking-related illnesses each year, and nearly 18,000 children are exposed to secondhand smoke at home. People living in multiunit housing are particularly susceptible to unwanted secondhand smoke exposure, which can transfer between apartments. Nebraska’s tobacco prevention and control staff are supported with CDC funding. They prepared toolkits and trained housing managers, and used CDC’s scientific data, educational resources, and media tools to reach public housing managers and residents.
See Nebraska in ActionNew York in Action
Six New York communities acted to bring down tobacco use by reducing the number and types of stores selling tobacco and by raising tobacco prices
Despite significant reductions in tobacco use over the last 15 years, 28,200 New York state residents die from tobacco-related illnesses each year. New York’s tobacco control program understands the importance of using data to motivate community partners and guide decision-making. The program—supported with CDC funding—shared national, state, and local data with communities and educated them about strategies known to reduce tobacco use.
See New York in ActionWest Virginia in Action
Small rural pharmacy pilot program created by West Virginia tobacco control staff and partners helped 36 people quit smoking
Cigarette smoking causes about 480,000 deaths every year. West Virginia has the highest percentage of adult cigarette smokers in the United States. In 2016, the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention, with funding and technical support from CDC, created a pilot program for pharmacists in rural counties to counsel people. This partnership helped people quit smoking.
See West Virginia in Action
