December 16, 2011   A new study published today by the American Journal of Public Health finds that Washington state’s tobacco prevention and cessation program saved the state more than $1.5 billion in health care costs over its first 10 years, saving more than $5 for every $1 spent on the program. This study is powerful confirmation that Washington’s tobacco prevention program is a smart investment that not only reduces smoking and saves lives, but also saves money for state taxpayers.  It shows how penny-wise and pound-foolish state leaders were in virtually eliminating funding for the program this year and why they should act quickly to restore funding for programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit.  Unless they do so, Washington will pay a very high price with more kids smoking, more lives lost to tobacco and higher tobacco-related health care costs.

For More Information:
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/12/15/4125756/new-study-washingtons-tobacco.html