WYANDOTEE COUNTY, Kan. -- Year after year, the American Lung Association continues to give both Kansas and Missouri poor marks on their smoking laws.
The 16th annual "State of Tobacco" report grades states and the federal government on policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use, and finds that both states lag significantly behind the nation to reduce and prevent tobacco use.
"Unfortunately, Kansas is often rated pretty poorly in terms of tobacco control,” Rebecca Garza with the Wyandotte County Health Department said.
The report also showed state policymakers must do more to prevent the death and disease associated with tobacco use.
"We're trying to do it all but it's tough, it's an uphill battle for sure,” Garza said.
Garza said funding from the state level, and a dramatic increase of tobacco tax is needed in order for states to succeed.
“Communities take different approaches that work for them, but you have to try something,” Garza said.
In the report, Kansas received an 'F' for funding for prevention programs, level of state tobacco taxes, coverage and access to services to quit and not having a minimum age of 21 to buy tobacco products. The state received an 'A' for its smoke-free air, according to the report.
Missouri received an 'F' for funding for prevention programs, level of state tobacco taxes, smoke-free air and not having a minimum age of 21 to buy tobacco products. The state received a 'D' for its coverage and access to services to quit, according to the report.
Kansas Grades:
- Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
- Smokefree Air - Grade A
- Level of State Tobacco Taxes - Grade F
- Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco - Grade F
- Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 – Grade F
Missouri Grades:
- Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
- Smokefree Air - Grade F
- Level of State Tobacco Taxes - Grade F
- Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco - Grade D
- Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 – Grade F
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