Greenville Family Partnership

States Could Raise $9 Billion by Increasing Cigarette Taxes

Hiking cigarette taxes by $1 a pack - a move backed by 67%t of voters - would allow cash-strapped US states to raise more than $9 billion annually, according to a new report by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK).

The report also says that higher tobacco taxes would help prevent children from starting to smoke and predicted that price increases would prompt more than 1.2 million adults to quit.

Decreased smoking would, in turn, save $52.8 billion in healthcare costs, according to CTFK. "This report shows that raising tobacco taxes is truly a win-win-win for the states. It is a budget win that will help protect vital programs like health care and education, a health win that will prevent kids from smoking and save lives, and a political win with the voters," said CTFK President Matthew L. Myers.

States now tax cigarettes at an average rate of $1.34 per pack, ranging from 7 cents in South Carolina to $3.46 per pack in Rhode Island.

Source: Join Together

South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2009

The South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey reveals any significant behaviors that adolescents engage in which might place them at risk for serious health problems. This survey is conducted every two years. The South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2009 surveyed 1,325 middle school students (grades 6 thru 8) and 1,108 high school students (grades 9-12).

Key Findings:

• 35.5% middle schoolers (3,732) have tried smoking cigarettes - even if only one or two puffs
• In the last 30 days, 14.1% of middle schoolers (186) have used any tobacco products while 27.3% high school students (302) have used any tobacco products.

Source: SC Department of Education

Tobacco Free Kids Collaborative (TFKC)

...is a group of organizations with a shared goal; preventing youth access to tobacco products.

Why? Cigarette smoking is a critical problem among youth. By 8th grade, more than half have tried smoking and 1/3 continue to smoke on a regular basis. Beginning tobacco use produces a lifetime addiction resulting in chronic disease & premature death. Each year, more than 400,000 people die from illnesses caused by its use. Second hand smoke accounts for more than 50,000 deaths annually. Smoking poses many health risks for everyone. But, the younger you are when you start smoking, the more problems it can cause. For example:

• People who start smoking before age 21 have the hardest time quitting.
• 30% of youth will continue to smoke and will die early from smoking-related disease.
• Teen smokers are more likely to use alcohol and illegal drugs.
• Teen smokers are more prone to panic attacks, anxiety disorders & depression.

For more than 10 years, the TFKC has worked to share ideas, decide on initiatives, discuss approaches, and collaborate on achieving its mission of reducing and preventing the health problems and premature death caused by tobacco use.

To learn more about TFKC activities & events and membership, click here.

Underage Tobacco Use

It is a problem in communities across the nation and Greenville County, South Carolina is no exception. Since its inception, Greenville Family Partnership (GFP) has advocated for the prevention of underage alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and abuse.

GFP provides tobacco awareness education, prevention, and cessation programs to schools, churches, businesses, and other organizations to inform and enlighten adolescents, parents, and other concerned individuals about the medical consequences of underage tobacco use, abuse, and addiction in our community.

GFP also promotes the “Breathe Easy Greenville Smoke-Free Campaign Initiative”, the Greenville Smoke-Free Ordinance, and legislation to increase the South Carolina Tobacco Tax; is a member of the Tobacco Free Kids Collaborative (TFKC); sponsors healthy, safe, and tobacco-free family events like the TFKC Furman Basketball and Football Games; and encourages school and community involvement in National Kick Butts Day and the Great America Smokeout.

What's New?

Tobacco... Before Talking, Be Prepared...

If you are a parent who feels at a loss as to what to say when it comes to talking to your teens about tobacco and nicotine addiction, then you may want to access the Tobacco section of the “Your Child Didn’t Come with an Owner’s Manual” Parent Kit.