Funding disease-prevention programs is a smart investment in our future. Cancer screenings save thousands of dollars by identifying diseases in early and more treatable stages. Programs that target childhood lead poisoning, asthma and diabetes pay big dividends by helping families manage or prevent chronic disease, thereby reducing extended and costly health care that is often taxpayer financed.

Reducing smoking rates and helping youth make the choice to never start smoking is one of New York state’s best investments in preventing chronic disease and disability. In Tompkins County, state-funded tobacco control programs partner with businesses, nonprofits, youth, schools and local health care providers. Together, these efforts reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, support smokers who want to quit and help teens beat the trap of tobacco addiction.

The data show real progress. During the 12 months ending last July, the NYS Smokers’ Quitline logged 806 calls from Tompkins County, 50 percent more than the previous period, and supplied 572 individuals with free nicotine replacement therapy, a 64 percent increase. Surveys of Tompkins County adults show that local smokers are increasingly familiar with available cessation services and more residents than ever before know about the Quitline (1-866-NY-QUITS).

Finally, a program to help schools achieve full compliance with state laws requiring all grounds be tobacco free is now active in six of the seven school districts in Tompkins County, so youth can learn in a truly tobacco-free environment.

Effective disease prevention programs are a sound investment in our community, and tobacco control is a vital and successful part of that mix.

Ted Schiele ’99
Coordinator for Tobacco Free Tompkins and T-Free Program, Tompkins Health Department