Study Finds Lake Elsinore, Wildomar Lag In Tobacco Control

The American Lung Association in California took a hard stance against Lake Elsinore and Wildomar in its recent annual report, State of Tobacco Control 2012 – California Local Grades.

The report issues grades to all cities and counties in California on local tobacco control policies, including those for smoke-free outdoor environments, smoke-free housing, and reducing sales of tobacco products. 

In the report issued this month, Lake Elsinore received an overall grade of D and Wildomar a C. In contrast, Murrieta received an overall grade of B, and Temecula an A. To view the complete report, click on the attached PDF.

Both Lake Elsinore and Wildomar received the same grades in the American Lung Association in California’s 2011 report.to read that story.

California was “once a national leader in tobacco control policies,” but now the state’s efforts are lagging, the report finds. California received an F for failing to adequately fund tobacco prevention and control programs and a D for its low cigarette tax. California currently ranks 33rd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia for its $0.87 per pack tax, far below the national average of $1.46. While California earned an A for smoke-free air policies, the state received another F for poor coverage of smoking cessation and treatment service.

The American Lung Association in California used the findings to advocate for passage of the Revenues derived from the increased tax would be directed to the treatment, prevention and, ultimately, cures for lung disease, heart disease and stroke, cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses, according to the measure’s supporters. The measure also would triple state funding for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, the supporters contend.

“Now is the time for California to raise the grade,” said Jane Warner, president and CEO, American Lung Association in California. “The California Cancer Research Act is an historic opportunity for California voters to provide more than $855 million annually to fund research for cancer and other tobacco-related diseases as well as proven tobacco prevention, education, and law enforcement efforts which will prevent 228,700 kids in California from becoming addicted smokers.”

The California Cancer Research Act is strongly supported by the American Lung Association in California, the American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. More information can be found at www.californiansforacure.org.