AMA Reaffirms Commitment to a Tobacco-Free America on World No Tobacco Day
Statement attributable to:
Peter W. Carmel, M.D.
President, American Medical Association
“As we recognize the World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day today, the AMA reaffirms our commitment to promoting a tobacco-free America.
“Reports show the downward trend in teen tobacco use in the U.S. has stalled, and smoking among young adults is on the increase. Now is not the time for states to cut funding for tobacco cessation programs. The limited availability of these proven cessation programs and insurance coverage for them hinders efforts to curb tobacco use. Every smoker should have access to the help they need to kick the habit for good.
“Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States. Helping smokers quit and reducing secondhand smoke exposure saves lives, reduces health problems associated with tobacco-related chronic diseases and cancers, and shrinks tobacco-related health care costs.
“In keeping with our long-standing commitment to public health, the AMA supports efforts that discourage the use of tobacco. To move us closer to the goal of a tobacco-free nation, the AMA strongly supports picture-based cigarette warning labels, adequately funded and evidence-based tobacco prevention and treatment programs, smoke-free laws, efforts to prevent youth smoking and educational programs that focus on quitting.”
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Media Contact:
AMA Media Relations
(312) 464-4430
About the American Medical Association (AMA)
The American Medical Association helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional, public health and health policy issues. The nation’s largest physician organization plays a leading role in shaping the future of medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit www.ama-assn.org.
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