Statement by John L. Kirkwood, President and CEO, American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is disappointed that the U.S. Department of Justice, after making a strong and convincing racketeering case against the tobacco industry, has failed to hold the industry accountable for its actions by not pursuing the strongest possible remedies.
The American Lung Association urges the U.S. government to seek the solutions recommended by its own expert witnesses, including: a 25-year (at $5.2 billion per year) program that would include a national telephone quitline network; universal access to smoking cessation medication and counseling; an extensive media campaign; research and education of medical providers; and a national campaign to prevent kids from becoming addicted to tobacco. The government recommendations of $2 billion over five years for cessation coverage and no specific recommendation for funding a national tobacco prevention campaign are woefully inadequate and inconsistent with the harm the Justice Department has proven this industry has inflicted on millions of Americans over the past 50 years.
About the American Lung Association:
For 100 years, the American Lung Association has been the lead organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined.
The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is “Improving life, one breath at a time.”
For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call
1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to www.lungusa.org.