In a provocative series in the journal Tobacco Control, a group of scholars, scientists and policy experts explore strategies for dramatically reducing tobacco use in the United States.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids launched a new effort to accelerate progress in reducing tobacco use in the United States. The initiative is also supported by the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
We know what works in reducing tobacco use and exposure: proven strategies including higher tobacco taxes, strong smoke-free air laws and well-funded programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit.
See the nationwide picture of state efforts on key tobacco control policies, with breakdowns on smoke-free laws, cigarette tax rates and total tobacco control spending.
View the interactive map
States collected a record $25.7 billion in revenue from the 1998 state tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but spent just 1.8 percent of it on preventinig kids from smoking and helping smokers quit.
Read the reportSince 1991, RWJF and other leading organizations have been collaborating to tackle one of the most intractable problems in public health—reducing tobacco use. The Foundation has invested significant funds and talent and joined forces with a range of advocates, researchers, and coalitions to bring about changes including higher tobacco excise taxes, smoke-free indoor air laws, access to cessation treatments, and the federal regulation of tobacco.
This retrospective tells the story of how RWJF and other groups—like the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and American Lung Association—have worked to reduce tobacco use and exposure in the U.S.
Read moreLearn about the history, scope and impact of smoke-free air laws across the country, and advocacy efforts that have contributed to widespread adoption.
Read the reportScience and experience have identified proven, cost-effective strategies that prevent young people from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke.
Comprehensive tobacco control policies can save significant dollars over time. Case studies of state programs show a return on investment of as high as $50 for every $1 spent. Read the policy brief.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids works to save lives by advocating for public policies that prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit, and protect everyone from secondhand smoke.
The organization is dedicated to nonsmokers' rights, taking on the tobacco industry at all levels of government, protecting nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke, and preventing tobacco addiction among youth.