Minnesota’s recent commercial tobacco prevention efforts, led by community advocates and local public health, have driven innovative policy, systems, and environmental changes centered on health equity. These efforts include local communities passing Tobacco 21 laws before federal and state legislation, policies prohibiting the sale of flavored commercial tobacco products, including menthol, starting in 2017, and funding Tribal Nations to independently address commercial tobacco use, beginning in 2007. Through these initiatives, Minnesota’s tobacco control partners work towards a healthier state where all, especially priority populations, are free from commercial tobacco’s harms. The framework was created by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with input from 30 partners who met multiple times in 2021 to align their work with the CDC’s requirements for state tobacco control programs. A broader group of partners also provided feedback through surveys, and full details of contributors are listed in the report.
Commercial Tobacco Control Framework Efforts are Saving Lives:
- 4,118 deaths prevented
- 12,881 fewer hospitalizations for respiratory disease
- 4,569 cancers prevented
- $2.7 billion in medical cost savings
- $2.4 billion gained in worker productivity
- 31,691 fewer hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease
Tobacco prevention efforts in Minnesota are making a significant impact, saving thousands of lives, preventing hospitalizations, and reducing the burden of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. These efforts have led to billions in medical cost savings and increased worker productivity, all while protecting the health of our communities, especially youth. Our vision is for Minnesota to be a place where everyone, particularly those in priority populations, is free from the harms of commercial tobacco. Together, we are creating a healthier, more vibrant future for all.
*The ban on tobacco flavor is a proactive step to protect youth health, undercutting the appeal of smoking, and deterring the onset of a harmful behavior.*
Reference: https://www.health.mn.gov/communities/tobacco/initiatives/docs/mnframework2022.pdf
