HND Tobacco Coalition

Vision: A state free of the health and economic consequences of tobacco use.

Mission:  Working together to protect North Dakotans from the disease, death, suffering, and economic burdens caused by tobacco use.

Goals:

• To prevent youth and young adults from starting to use tobacco.
• To assist anyone who wants to quit using tobacco to do so.
• To fully protect the public from exposure to secondhand smoke.
• To eliminate disparities in tobacco use among specific populations.
• To reduce significant economic costs to North Dakotans caused by tobacco use.

Objectives that have been met in the last 5 years:

• Decline in Youth smoking rates from 40.6% in 1999 to 22% in 2005
• ND Tobacco Quitline implemented in September 2004 ; as of January, 2008, 37.5% of those who quit smoking or chewing with the assistance of the Quitline are still tobacco-free 6 months later. 
• Passage of State Law NDCC 23-12-09 - Smoke-free Workplace Law (objective partially met)
  • Recognizes the state’s commitment to protect the health of it citizens
  • Recognizes the right of individuals to breathe smoke-free air
  • Went into effect August 1, 2005

Tobacco Use Trends

• Cigarette use declining
• Slight increase in spit tobacco
• Overall tobacco use declining
• Cigarette consumption declining
• Growing support for smoke-free environments
• Increased number of smoke-free ordinances and laws

Liaison:
Karalee Harper
kaharper@nd.gov

Chair: pending