Public Policy Resources

On April 15, 2026, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and the Truth Initiative sent a letter to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, in support of efforts to fully restore staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The letter uplifts that reinstating capacity at the Office of Smoking and Health (OSH) at CDC is essential to ensuring congressionally appropriated funds are used effectively and that states, Tribal organizations, and territories receive uninterrupted funding, as well as technical assistance, and data-driven guidance. The letter underscores that without a fully staffed OSH, evidence-based programs that prevent youth initiation, help people quit, and reduce tobacco-related disease and costs nationwide are at serious risk. 

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) calls on Congress to support a sustained level of funding of $310 million for tobacco control and reject the elimination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health (OSH).

Big tobacco has a history of prioritizing corporate profits over people and communities burdened by tobacco-related illness and death. For decades, the tobacco industry has lied to specific communities and the public at large saying their products are not addictive, harmful or deadly. Tobacco manufacturers continue to create and flood the market with newly designed products they market as being less harmful and alternatives to quitting – a tactic that is not new.