Source: Memphis (TN) Commercial Appeal
Date: 2010-01-27
Author: Dr. Susan Nelson, Special To Viewpoint

Smoking is killing our friends, our co-workers, our family
members. It is a public health threat that we need to eradicate.

This month, in its annual "State of Tobacco Control 2009"
report, the American Lung Association hung a big "F" on Tennessee

Not only is smoking a critical health concern in Tennessee, it
is a growing economic issue. Each year, the costs for
smoking-related diseases are getting higher. . . .

It is time to address the prospect of covering smoking-cessation
products and prescription medication in the TennCare program.
Call your state legislators and let them know you support a
smoking-cessation program in TennCare. Then contact Gov. Phil
Bredesen\'s office and send the governor a message: Invest in
smoking-cessation coverage in TennCare. It will not cost $680
million and -- as proven by the Massachusetts results -- getting
people to quit smoking will save lives and save money on other
health care costs.