NORTH CAROLINA -- The American Lung Association’s 2018 “State of Tobacco Control” shows North Carolina could have done more to save lives by implementing proven tobacco policies.

The 16th annual report found that the Tar Heel State lags significantly behind the nation in reducing and preventing tobacco use.

The report also says state policymakers can do more to prevent the death and disease associated with tobacco use and save lives.

This year’s “State of Tobacco Control” finds Gov. Roy Cooper and the North Carolina General Assembly are failing to enact proven policies that will reduce tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke and save lives:

• Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade [F]
• Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws - Grade [F]
• Level of State Tobacco Taxes - Grade [F]
• Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco - Grade [F]
• Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 – Grade [F]

The American Lung Association in North Carolina calls on Cooper and state lawmakers to increase funding for tobacco control programs, increase tobacco taxes, resist attempts to weaken the smoke-free restaurants and bars law and expand the law to include all public places and private work sites.