Health Department Frowns On Cigarette Campaigns

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(UNDATED) - Enough is enough—that’s what Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Judith Monroe is saying about the latest marketing campaigns by the tobacco industry.

The State Department of Health held influence women's forum Wednesday for women leaders from across Indiana to gather and discuss ways to reduce tobacco use. Those who attended the forum were asked to talk to their friends, co-workers, and family about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use. Also, women were asked to write to their legislators to support an increase in the cigarette tax.

She says Hoosier women are appalled when they hear about some of the latest campaigns being used by tobacco companies. "We all have been quite frankly outraged over some of the latest marketing efforts that are targeting young women, asking young women to come to clubs, and then giving them all kinds of gifts," says Monroe. They, "do their nails, do their hair, and then give them free cigarettes," says claims.

The Department of Health cites statistics that suggest for every 1 dollar the state spends in tobacco use prevention, the tobacco industry spends 44 dollars to market its products in Indiana.

Indiana is second highest in the nation for adult smoking, with 25-percent of adult women smoking.

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