Sebasticook Valley Hospital (SVH) Vice President of Human Resources and Community Partnerships David Pease recently announced that for the fifth year in a row, Maine is first in the nation in investing in programs to protect our youth from tobacco as released by the Maine Coalition on Smoking or Health. David went on to acknowledge the efforts of the SVH Healthy Living Program, which has led many of the region's efforts to reduce tobacco use.

According to the statement by the Maine Coalition on Smoking, Maine people and Maine lawmakers have put in years of effort to tackle our number one killer - tobacco use. As a result, smoking rates are dropping (including an over 60% drop in youth smoking rates), and Maine has one of the highest percentages of ex-smokers in the country (ranking 5th overall).

Employing a combination of tactics has been the key to success and must remain our strategy moving forward. Maine's achievements are a result of combining school and community programs; media efforts to educate the public and counter effect cigarette ads; treatment programs, including the Maine Tobacco Helpline; high pricing; strong enforcement of laws to prevent youth access to tobacco products; and policies that prevent exposure to second-hand smoke.

Maine is making tremendous progress despite the never-ending onslaught of tobacco industry tactics to promote their deadly products to children. The recent flood of candy and fruit flavored cigarettes and cigars is the most blatant and obvious way they continue to target children, but billions are also spent in opposition to indoor smoking laws and price increases. Meanwhile, tobacco companies use "prevention" media campaigns that have been proven to be ineffective or even harmful. 

According to the Director of SVH Healthy Living, Dawn Littlefield, "Currently, SVH Healthy Living has numerous programs that are designed to assist folks in smoking cessation and to help parents in keeping kids tobacco-free. 'Quit to Win' and 'Got a Minute - Give It to Your Kid' are both designed to tackle tobacco issues, as well as the program 'NO Butts' that accesses the business community to counteract advertising locally to children. We are pleased to know that our efforts and the efforts made statewide are making a difference to the health of Maine residents, young and old."

Sebasticook Valley Hospital is a member of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS), which works with our communities to identify priorities and reduce barriers to quality care. EMHS members are committed to doing the right thing for the people of Maine: Together, We're Stronger.