North Dakota Leading the Way In Tobacco Prevention

According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, North Dakota has nearly $10 million that is being used toward tobacco prevention, which is the amount recommended by the CDC.
 
“It’s not often that our states gets ranked number one with a public health initiative like tobacco prevention were so proud of the work that we’ve done,” said Holly Scott of Fargo Cass Pubic Health Tobacco Prevention.
 
Scott says voter approval of the statewide smoke-free law has done more than just help with prevention.
 
“Secondary piece that has happened is that restricting the indoor places people can smoke sometimes is kind of the last straw that’s needed for people to go okay, it’s time to get serious about that,” said Scott.
 
“Eight days and twenty five minutes,” said Mike Arceneaux, who just recently quit smoking.
 
One recent ex-smoker we spoke to says not being able to see or smell cigarettes has made all the difference for breaking the habit.
 
“If I don’t see it, it’s less of a chance for me to want it so that’s a pretty good thing to not have it around,” said Mike.
 
The fund is going towards education, as well as the limitation of smoking in public places.

And it’s helping to make North Dakota tobacco free.

The state funding for tobacco prevention was received in the aftermath of lawsuits against major tobacco companies.