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Dr. Ola Fajobi, Director of the Tobacco Surveillance, Evaluation, and Research Team for the New York State Department of Health, outlines new measures continue to decrease cigarette and e-cigarette use; Victor Poretti, Director of the New Jersey...
Dr. Ola Fajobi, Director of the Tobacco Surveillance, Evaluation, and Research Team for the New York State Department of Health, outlines new measures continue to decrease cigarette and e-cigarette use; Victor Poretti, Director of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Monitoring, Standards, and Pesticide Control, says the harmful algal blooms dashboard can help keep people informed about water quality conditions; an ASTHO webinar addresses LGBTQ+ youth health disparities; and sign up for ASTHO’s Public Health Weekly email newsletter
New York State Department of Health: Cigarette and tobacco products tax
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Dashboard
ASTHO Webinar: Addressing LGBTQ+ Youth Health Disparities
ROBERT JOHNSON:
This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Monday, July 17, 2023. I'm Robert Johnson. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
OLA FAJOBI:
The evidence is clear that when we increase taxes on cigarette pricing, that is associated with a decline in use for both adults and youth.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
Dr. Ola Fajobi is with the New York State Department of Health.
OLA FAJOBI:
There is actually evidence that suggests that every 10 percent rise in secret pricing is linked with 4% drop in cigarette smoking rates for adults and 7% drop for youth.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
New York cigarette and e-cigarette use rates have dropped over the last several years. But Fajobi says public health agencies are anxious to see if a new tax on cigarettes, set to take effect September 1, will drive rates even lower.
OLA FAJOBI:
A new $1 tax increase that was recently passed by the state legislature will go into effect. And that will make New York State's the jurisdiction within the country with the highest taxes on a pack of cigarettes. And we're looking forward to data later on that might show us what potential impacts this new $1 tax hike on cigarette products might do to the smoking prevalence rates that we see within the states.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
Tobacco taxes are only one approach Fajobi says the state encourages smoke-free spaces, restricts underage access, and runs a quit line.
OLA FAJOBI:
The rates we've seen, you know, recently is a reflection of that investment level across the states. In the year 2000, for example, the cigarette smoking rate for adults was 22%. In 2021, it was 12%, but we still see rates that are much higher among some groups such as those with low income those who live with one or more disability and those who reported experiencing frequent mental distress.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
Read more about the latest New York data and the new tax coming soon using the links in the show notes.
New Jersey is working to keep people informed about water quality conditions in freshwater recreational areas. The worry is over cyanobacteria that can make it unsafe to swim. Victor Peretti with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection says a dashboard gives people everything they need to know about harmful algal blooms.
VICTOR PORETTI:
The dashboard communicates lab results, risk, and beach closers usually within 24 to 48 hours after the suspected had was reported. The quick response and postings mitigate unnecessary exposure to too long reporting versus analysis turnaround times. In addition to alerting the public of risk to swimming and beach closures, the index makes it clear to the public that in some instances, boating and related activities may still be suitable when lower levels of harmful algal blooms are detected.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
Poretti says the dashboard tries to make the information easy to understand.
VICTOR PORETTI:
The key feature of the dashboard is a searchable map with color-coded sampling points. The color-coding corresponds to a risk tier. When the dots are clicked, a pop up appears with the data, photos, and beach closing information.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
The state believes that data has made it possible for people to safely enjoy water activities without interrupting their plans or the economies that rely on their tourism.
VICTOR PORETTI:
This clear communication has alleviated unnecessary disruption to enjoying most recreational activities in a water body and in many cases, direct economic impacts to the surrounding communities.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
You can see the dashboard by clicking the link in the show notes.
Also today you still have time to join the discussion about disparities impacting LGBTQ+ youth. The conversation is this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. ET. O'Keyla Cooper has more.
O'KEYLA COOPER:
Don't miss the virtual discussion on addressing LGBTQ+ youth health disparities featuring experts from ASTHO and the Vermont Department of Health. Explore the impact of identity-based stressors and increased risk factors faced by LGBTQ plus youth, including suicidal behaviors. Register today using the link in the show notes.
ROBERT JOHNSON:
Finally, this morning, stay informed about everything in public health with ATHO's Public Health Weekly email newsletter. There's a link in the show notes.
That'll do it for today's newscast. If you like us, review us and let others know what you think. We're back tomorrow at 5:00 a.m. ET with more ASTHO news and information. I'm Robert Johnson. You're listening to the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day.
Director, Tobacco Surveillance, Evaluation, and Research Team, New York State Department of Health
Director, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Monitoring
