Success in South Carolina : investment of cigarette tax funds in smoking prevention and cessation

Abstract

Partnership success shows that since 2006, 59 of the state’s 81 school districts now protect 485,255 school-aged students from exposure to tobacco and secondhand smoke. During the same time period, smoking among high school students decreased by more than 19% and smoking among middle school students decreased by more than 47%. The number of S.C. Tobacco Quitline referrals made by healthcare providers through the Provider Referral System has recently experienced a dramatic increase. This rise can likely be attributed to DHEC’s “Tips from Former Smokers” television commercials and sustained provider outreach efforts.