A new report from the American Cancer Society says Louisiana is not doing all it could to fight the disease.
The Society’s Cancer Action Network issued an evaluation of Louisiana’s efforts, saying the state has fallen short in efforts to combat second-hand smoke.
Among the report’s areas of concern is access to care, quality of life, and prevention.
“No one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck," said Lance Barbour, Louisiana Government Relations Director at the Cancer Action Network. "The more we can reduce second-hand smoke exposure, the more we can denormalize it for our youth.”
Barbour says state legislation has helped with highlights in the reports.
In 2007, a law was put into place requiring all indoor workplaces to be smoke-free, with the exception of bars and casinos.
“We have increased access to Medicaid," said Barbour. "This year, we passed a palliative care advisory bill, which would allow patients to receive palliative care services in their home or a facility of their choosing.”
Barbour says the findings in the report indicate that Louisiana could combat smoking by raising the state’s cigarette tax.
“Our cigarette tax ranks 37th in the United States, that’s 70 cents below the national average,” said Barbour.
