Abortion regulations spark new debate
February 13, 2014The Lack of Will
February 13, 2014Dear Editor,
Last week’s announcement from CVS that they will become the first large retail pharmacy chain to quit selling tobacco products in their stores as of Oct. 1 is a monumental and historic win for public health. On behalf of the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI), the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) and our many partners, I appreciate and applaud CVS for making this bold move and becoming a leading example for other companies, especially those in the health care industry.
Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the US, causing more than 480,000 deaths each year. In Louisiana alone, approximately 6,500 adults die each year from smoking.
TFL, a program of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center and LPHI, along with many collaborative, multi-sector partners and advocates, continue to work closely with Louisiana’s colleges and universities, hospitals, businesses, cities and parishes to achieve 100% tobacco-free policies and ordinances. Louisiana as a whole is making strides in public health. We are excited about the progress to normalize tobacco-free living across the state and our nation.
Join TFL in our efforts by visiting www.tobaccofreeliving.org. For those interested in quitting smoking, call the Louisiana Tobacco Cessation Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Torrie T. Harris, Dr.P.H, MPH,
Division Director, Community Health & TFL
Louisiana Public Health Institute
