Introduction

The reduction of smoking rates continues to be a high priority for the Louisville area. The high prevalence of adult and youth smoking significantly impacts o ur community both physically and financially. The KHA Smoking Taskforce focuses on tobacco-related policy issues that impact community health.

Positive Social Norms School Ad Campaign

In 2005, the Kentuckiana Health Alliance Smoking Taskforce joined forces with the Louisville Metro Tobacco Free Coalition’s Schools & Youth Taskforce. Together these groups are working with several community partners on a “Social Norms” campaign intended to reduce youth smoking rates in Jefferson County. Middle and High schools are supplied with catchy posters displaying the percentage of non-smokers specific to their school. The goal of the program is make a positive change in student perception about the number of students that do NOT smoke in their school. Below is a copy of last year’s catalog and survey.

• 2010-2011 Social Norms Ad Campaign Summary & Intent to Participate Form
• 2010-2011 Social Norms Poster Catalog
• 2010-2011 2010 Social Norms Flyer
• Sample Survey (Pre-Test)

Kentucky State Tax Increase Advocacy

In 2004, the Kentuckiana Health Alliance sent a letter to Governor Fletcher & Kentucky Legislators recommending a state tax increase on tobacco products purchased in Kentucky.

Click here to see a copy of the KHA Tobbaco Tax Increase Letter.

In March 2005, the Kentucky legislation took a historical step in protecting kids and taxpayer’s from tobacoo’s devastating effects by voting to increase the lowest-in-the nation cigarette tax by 27 cents, to 30 cents a pack. Studies show every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes reduces youth smoking by about 7% and consumption by about 4%.