Tobacco Documents Online

I Michigan Public Health Association, Inc. Affiliated with American Public Health Association )fl22x)NXAV(X=XxxX ,z,x=x)zXxxxx,XxXxx)Gxxx?cxxx"x)9~xxx)E)~4x Suite 340, Nisbet Building, 1407 S. Harrison, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 332-7271 POSITION PAPER ON SMOKING AND HEALTH The Michigan Public Health Association supports a comprehensive approach to smoking and health in Michigan. The Michigan Public Health Association encourages implementation of programs across a broad front of legal, economic, and health education strategies for smoking and health. A. Legal: The Michigan Public Health Association supports non-smokers' rights in the work place and in public areas. The Michigan Public Health Association has held a strong position on non-smokers' rights since 1972 (resolution No. 1, 1972). B. Economics: The Michigan Public Health Association supports an in- crease in the cigarette tax from 11t to 16t per pack. The Michigan Public Health Association also encourages: 1. The development of insurance guidelines providing reduced rates to non-smokers where a risk differential exists between smokers and non-smokers. 2. State tax credits for smoking cessation programs and a state lobby effort to encourage federal tax credi ts fo r smoki ng cessati on programs. 3. Coverage of smoking cessation costs by health insurance providers. - C. Health Education: The Public Health Code (P.A. 368 of 1978) requires local health departments to "Plan, implement, and evaluate health education ...." The Michigan Public Health Association supports a central role for local health departments in the coordination of community smoking programs. The Michigan Public Health Association also encourages: 1. The Michigan Department of Public Health to provide skill training to local health departments and other agencies active in smoking programs. 2. The adoption of a comprehensive K-12 school health education program. 3. Coordination of state programs with national smoking campaigns. Adopted by the Board of Directors, September 18, 1480 -173- I I I I I I I E I L