Independent Evaluation: State's Anti-Smoking Efforts Succeeding
Study Notes Reductions in Second Hand Smoke Exposure and Tobacco Consumption

ALBANY, November 24, 2004 - The New York State Health Department today announced the first independent evaluation of New York's anti-smoking and tobacco control program that found reductions in exposure to second hand smoke and an apparent decline in tobacco consumption.

The first-ever "Annual Independent Evaluation of New York's Tobacco Control Program," required under the 2000 Health Care Reform Act (HCRA), was prepared by the Tobacco Use Research Program at Research Triangle Institute (RTI) of North Carolina. RTI was selected through a competitive bidding process to conduct an independent evaluation of the New York Tobacco Control Program (NYTCP) from 2003 through 2007.

"I am gratified to see that this independent review recognizes the considerable anti-smoking and tobacco control efforts we've undertaken and the real progress we've made in preventing smoking and providing smokers the help they need to quit," said Commissioner Antonia C. Novello M.D, M.P.H., Dr.P.H.

New York has committed nearly $165 million over the past four years alone to prevent and reduce tobacco use. In addition, strong new laws including the historic Clean Indoor Air Act and increases in the cigarette excise taxes have clearly impacted the use of tobacco products by New Yorkers.

Evaluation Report Highlights:

• New York recognized for its utilization of a "rigorous strategic plan and emphasis on evidenced-based interventions."
• An apparent decline in New York's per capita cigarette consumption after 2000 that was faster than the national average.
• A steady decline in the rates of in-home second hand smoke exposure.
• Very high compliance (92.9 percent) with the Clean Indoor Air Act.
• An apparent significant reduction of workplace second hand smoke exposure due to the implementation of the CIAA.

The report also contains constructive criticisms of New York's efforts to counter the near limitless marketing resources of the tobacco industry, recommending more aggressive, better coordinated public awareness efforts. Prior to the publication of the report, the Health Department took actions to address these criticisms, including developing an approach that will better coordinate local anti-tobacco messaging with the State's education and awareness campaign. In addition, new television advertisements will be launched before the end of the year. The report is available on the Department's website at http://www.health.state.ny.us.

First Annual Independent Evaluation of New York's Tobacco Control Program (PDF, 1.66MB, 284pg.)

   

Source: NYSDOH