FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, November 16, 2009

(919) 969-7022

 

NCPP CONGRATULATES STATE ON DECREASED ADULT SMOKING RATE

CHAPEL HILL - November 16, 2009 - NC Prevention Partners (NCPP) congratulates North Carolina for achieving a decreased adult smoking rate of 20.9%, down from the previous 22.9%,  bringing the state closer to the national average of 20.6 %.

 "This is excellent news for the state of North Carolina," said Melva Fager Okun, senior program manager at NC Prevention Partners. "We are now close to the national average for the first time. With increased attention and resources for tobacco cessation and a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants effective January 2, North Carolina is positioned for the first time to fall below the national adult smoking rate."

 The data was reported in the Center for Disease Control Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report November 12.

 NC Prevention Partners, in partnership with The Duke Endowment and the NC Hospital Association, is working with North Carolina hospitals to increase tobacco cessation resources to help people successfully quit tobacco use.

 About NC Prevention Partners:

NC Prevention Partners is a leader in reducing preventable illness and early death in North Carolina caused by tobacco use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity. We helped North Carolina's acute care hospitals go 100% tobacco free campus wide. We help employers create healthier workplaces, reduce costs and increase use of preventive health insurance benefits. Our mission as a non-profit is "Prevention first for a healthier North Carolina."  www.ncpreventionpartners.org

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Pat Grebe
pat@ncpreventionpartners.org
(919) 969-7022, ext. 203

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