American Lung Association: North Dakota "A mixed bag" on tobacco prevention policy

(Bismarck, ND) -- A senior official with the American Lung Association is calling for more to be done following a report on North Dakota's tobacco policies. 

The report issued by the American Lung Association found North Dakota had received a middling grade compared to other states across the nation in five different categories. The report "graded" the policy strength of multiple different categories; including funding for state tobacco prevention programs (C), strength of smoke-free workplace laws (A), level of state tobacco taxes (F), coverage and access to services to quit tobacco (A), and ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products (F).

"The tobacco industry has been very successful for decades in selling a product that, when used as directed, kills over half of it's customers..." said Pat McKone is the Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the American Lung Association, "“Last year, we were pleased to see the North Dakota improve their tobacco cessation counseling coverage. As a result, North Dakota’s ‘State of Tobacco Control’ grade improved from ‘B’ last year to ‘A’ this year. This is important progress, however, there are still too many North Dakota residents who are impacted by tobacco use, like the 15% of adults who smoke and the 35.5% of high school students who use tobacco.”

 You can learn more about grades across the United States made by the American Lung Association by clicking here.