36 SW Nye Street
Newport, Oregon 97365
Public Health: (541) 265-4112
Environmental Health: (541) 265-4127
Behavioral Health: (541) 265-4179
Primary Care: (541) 265-4947
Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance: (541) 265-0430
Tobacco is still the number one cause of preventable death in the United States. The tobacco industry spends over $25 million per day to keep current users hooked and entice new users to initiate.
Point of sale tobacco marketing disproportionately affects specific demographic groups such as youth, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals of low income or education. These more vulnerable groups are targeted by tobacco companies through aggressive advertising, targeted marketing, and increased presence of tobacco retailers in their neighborhoods and recreation areas. Examples of the predatory nature of tobacco advertising includes:
When looking at some of the targeting tactics used, it is no coincidence that the rate of tobacco use is much higher in certain populations. National trends for tobacco use include:
Here in Lincoln County, a small, rural community, we find similar tobacco advertising tactics as we see nationally.The result is high rates of early tobacco use among our youth that continues into adulthood and leads to high rates of chronic health conditions in our community. Here are some Lincoln County tobacco facts and demographic information that explains more about the similarities of tobacco advertising at the national level versus the local climate of Lincoln County:
Lincoln County Facts:
Overall one can see the connection between high poverty areas, high tobacco use, and advertising rates. By targeting minority populations with more advertising, tobacco companies blatantly show how they prioritize profit over the community’s social and economic well being.
Local Tobacco Prevention and Education Programs are designed to aid in combating tobacco company predatory tactics. If you would like to know more about the local Lincoln County Tobacco Prevention and Education Program and initiatives, contact Samantha Schafer at 541-265-6611 ext. 3281.
If you or a loved one is looking for cessation resources please contact the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or 1-877-2NO-FUME (1-877-266-3863) or visit www.quitnow.net/oregon/