January 26, 2005

Recent evidence collected by the Michigan Department of Community Health clearly indicates that last year’s increase in the state’s tobacco tax is encouraging more Michigan citizens to stop smoking.

Between July 2004 – when the increased tobacco tax took effect – and January 1, 2005, more than 3,100 people called the Michigan Tobacco Quit Line for information on how to quit smoking. Six months prior to July 2004, only 550 people had called the Quit Line.

“This information is great news for those who smoke, for those around smokers, for health-care costs, and for the state budget,” said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General. “It has been clearly documented that increased cigarette taxes prompt smokers to quit and help to keep kids and adults from starting to smoke. We are seeing those benefits now as a result of the cigarette tax increase last July.”

When the state Legislature passed the 75 cent increase in the cigarette tax in July, tobacco control advocates predicted that the increase would lead to a reduction in the number of smokers by prompting smokers to quit and by helping to keep kids and adults from starting to smoke.

“Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in Michigan. Smoking kills more people than car crashes, murders, AIDS, illegal drugs, suicides and alcohol combined,” Wisdom said. “We are very pleased to see that following the implementation of the cigarette tax increase, more smokers are trying to end their addiction to nicotine.”

Smokers interested in quitting, can call the Quit Line at 1-800-480-QUIT (1-800-480-7848). Eligible callers can receive nicotine replacement patches and gum from the Quit Line.