LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Leaders and decision-makers in health care and higher education will gather Friday to take a closer look at the high cost of tobacco in Arkansas, where lung cancer is the deadliest type of the disease.
The Arkansas Policy Forum, hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, will examine what steps the state can take to reduce tobacco use, which hasn’t improved at the same rate as the rest of the country. The adult smoking rate in Arkansas is the third-highest in the country at 23.6 percent, and the youth smoking rate is 13.7 percent — well above the national average.
Additionally, Arkansas has the second-highest rate of smoking-related cancer deaths in the country: 33.5 percent of cancer deaths in Arkansas are directly attributable to smoking.
The program will include breakfast, speakers and panel discussion. Media are welcomed to attend.
WHO: Dr. Joseph H. Bates, associate dean for Public Health Practice, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health
Shelly Brown, system director of respiratory care services, Baptist Health
Dr. Pebbles Fagan, professor, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health
ShaRhonda J. Love, executive director, Arkansas Minority Health Commission
Dr. Grace Raja, CARTI Cancer Center
Dr. Joseph W. Thompson, president and CEO, Arkansas Center for Health Improvement
WHAT: 2018 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network of Arkansas Policy Forum
WHERE: Heifer International – Heifer Village Meeting Room
1 World Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72202
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 30
8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
