It’s Time to Clear the Air in the North Country

Adirondack Health Institute (AHI) is working with more than 35 organizations throughout the North Country on an initiative, It’s Time to Clear the Air in the North Country, to increase awareness about the benefits of raising the minimum legal sale age for tobacco products to 21 years of age in each county in the region (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and Washington). 
Smoking is the primary cause of preventable death in New York State claiming approximately 28,000 lives annually.  North Country adults (aged 18 and older) smoke cigarettes at a higher rate than all New Yorkers, 22.6% and 15.9%, respectively.  About 750,000 adults in NYS live with serious smoking-related illness.  In addition to the human costs, New York State spends more than $8 billion annually to treat illnesses caused by tobacco use.  New York State businesses lose approximately $3,734 each year for each employee who smokes due to lost productivity ($1,791) and excess medical expenses ($1,943).
How do we Change these Statistics?
Approximately 96% of smokers begin smoking before the age of 21.  Raising the minimum legal sale age for tobacco products to 21 years of age would, over time, decrease smoking prevalence, reduce the number of smoking related deaths and significantly lower healthcare costs related to tobacco use. 
 
How Can You Help Support Raising the Sale Age?

• Express your organization’s support by signing a Statement of Support (link below);
• Voice your support by signing an online petition (link below);
• Host a 30-minute presentation by AHI staff on the benefits of raising the sale age.

 
Statement of Support
http://www.healthyadk.org/content/sites/healthyadk/Tobacco_Task-force_Documents/revised_Statement_of_Support_Tobacco.pdf
 
Online Petition
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CleartheAirAdk
 
To schedule a presentation, please contact Traves Bethel, Population Health Improvement Outreach Specialist, at 518-480-0111, ext. 316 or tbethel@ahihealth.org
 
More information about tobacco use in the North Country and the benefits of raising the sale age can be found on the website HealthyADK at http://www.healthyadk.org.