FRANKFORT, KY – As lawmakers dive into the new year, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) asks legislators to restore tobacco control funding that will ease the burden of cancer in Kentucky. Long after this pandemic passes, people deserve to live full, healthy lives free from the negative effects of tobacco use.
ACS CAN is advocating for:
Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding: restore funding for the state’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program to $3.3 million. Kentucky lawmakers have the power to support evidence-based strategies proven to reduce tobacco use and help current tobacco users quit. This action is especially important in 2021, given the skyrocketing youth tobacco use rates.
Kentucky is still one of the worst states for tobacco use rates, and the lack of comprehensive tobacco control laws and funding on the local and state level are contributing to disparities in tobacco use. Currently, Kentucky has budgeted $2 million for the state’s tobacco control programs.
ACS CAN volunteers look forward to meeting with lawmakers during our annual Cancer Action Day taking place on Thursday, February 11. ACS CAN encourages individuals, businesses and organizations that are interested in these issues to reach out to ACS CAN to get involved in the fight against cancer at: fightcancer.org/KY.
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.