CEO Nancy Brown Stresses Importance of Anti-Tobacco Initiatives

Smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the United States, and is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke!

American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown says the large amount of adults who smoke in the United States reinforces the need to implement strong anti-tobacco legislation across the country at the local, state, and federal levels.

As tobacco’s financial and health implications continue to plague many communities, the AHA urges elected officials to support increases in tobacco taxes, provide adequate funding for tobacco cessation and prevention programs, pass and protect comprehensive smoke-free air laws, and ensure implementation of FDA regulation of tobacco. These measures have proven successful in states with the lowest smoking rates.

Need help quitting or want to help a friend with smoking cessation? Visit the AHA's Quit Smoking page for more information.