Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable illness, disability, and death in the United States. As of 2021, approximately 28.3 million U.S. adults smoke cigarettes, with over 16 million living with at least one smoking-related disease. Additionally, 58 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads national efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths and chronic diseases. Through partnerships and tobacco control initiatives, the CDC focuses on:
- Preventing youth from starting tobacco use.
- Promoting smoke-free environments.
- Expanding programs to support quitting tobacco.
- Addressing tobacco-related health disparities across diverse populations.
The Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) leads strategic public health efforts to end commercial tobacco use and exposure, striving to provide equitable opportunities for all communities to live free from the disease, disability, death, and social and economic impacts caused by tobacco products. Guided by a vision of a world free from commercial tobacco-related harm, OSH focuses on preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults, promoting quitting, eliminating secondhand smoke exposure, and advancing health equity by addressing tobacco-related disparities. In collaboration with local, state, national, and international partners, OSH expands the science of effective tobacco control, builds sustainable infrastructure for comprehensive programs, communicates timely information to stakeholders, and coordinates policies and strategic initiatives, while fostering global tobacco control through surveillance, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.
Key Activities
The CDC collaborates with decision-makers, partners, health officials, and the public to combat the tobacco epidemic by:
- Supporting comprehensive tobacco prevention and control programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, 8 U.S. territories or jurisdictions, and 26 tribes/tribal organizations.
- Supporting tobacco cessation and quitline services in 50 states, 2 territories, and Washington, D.C., and maintaining the national network of tobacco cessation quitlines.
- Educating the public about the harms of tobacco use, including through paid media campaigns like Tips From Former Smokers.
- Conducting and coordinating surveillance, laboratory, and evaluation activities related to tobacco use and its effect on health.
- Reducing tobacco-related health disparities through 8 national networks working to reduce tobacco use among specific populations.
- Supporting health systems to improve cessation insurance coverage, remove barriers to evidence-based cessation treatments, and promote use of covered treatments.
- Coordinating the Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health.
- Strengthening global tobacco surveillance systems to monitor the global tobacco epidemic.*
Through collaborative efforts with decision-makers, partners, health officials, and the public, the CDC remains steadfast in its mission to end the tobacco epidemic. By advancing science, building sustainable infrastructure, implementing effective policies, and addressing health disparities, the CDC is paving the way for a healthier, tobacco-free future. Together, these actions are critical to protecting lives, promoting health equity, and creating communities free from the devastating impacts of commercial tobacco use and exposure.
**By prioritizing the health and safety of its young residents, Minnesota is investing in a brighter, healthier future for all.**
