Oklahoma has reached a significant milestone in public health as the adult smoking rate has fallen to a record low of 14.1 percent. This achievement, reflected in a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marks a substantial decrease from 15.8 percent in 2023 and a dramatic drop from 28.7 percent in 2001. This progress underscores the state’s long-term commitment to reducing tobacco use and improving the health of its residents.
The decline in smoking rates signifies thousands of Oklahomans gaining healthier years with their families and contributing to a more robust workforce. This success is attributed to a variety of initiatives, including the widespread expansion of tobacco-free environments. Since 2015, all schools in Oklahoma have maintained a tobacco-free policy, and numerous cities, businesses, and housing units have implemented similar restrictions. These measures not only protect individuals from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke but also encourage many smokers to reduce their tobacco use or quit altogether.
Despite this notable progress, challenges remain. Smoking-related illnesses continue to claim the lives of approximately 7,500 Oklahomans each year, and hundreds more succumb to conditions caused by secondhand smoke exposure. Additionally, youth nicotine use poses a growing concern, with teenagers being five times more likely to use vaping products than traditional cigarettes. Alarmingly, nearly 10,000 high school students in Oklahoma still smoke, highlighting the need for ongoing prevention efforts.
As Oklahomans set health goals for the upcoming year, quitting tobacco emerges as a vital and life-saving resolution. Recognizing the addictive nature of nicotine, quitting can be a daunting task, but support systems are in place. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has provided free assistance to over half a million residents since its inception in 2003. Recent reports indicate that nearly 45 percent of those who registered with the Helpline remained tobacco-free for at least 30 days, surpassing the national benchmark.
Julie Bisbee, Executive Director of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum in these public health efforts. “As we enter the new year, we must continue to create opportunities for Oklahomans to live longer, healthier lives,” she stated. The ongoing commitment to tobacco cessation and prevention policies is critical, not only for improving individual health but also for fostering a healthier community overall.
With the new year upon us, it is an opportune moment for individuals and communities to engage in initiatives that support tobacco cessation. By prioritizing health and well-being, Oklahomans can contribute to a future where smoking rates continue to decline, paving the way for a healthier, more productive state.
