“Maine has cut youth smoking rates in half, and we have done it in just six years,” said Governor Baldacci. “This is not merely a good outcome. It is a phenomenal outcome.”

According to the Maine Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (MYRBS), administered every two years by the Maine Department of Education, 39.2% of Maine high school students and 21% of Maine middle school students reported using tobacco in 1997. The just released 2003 MYRBS now shows the Maine high school rate has dropped to 20.5% and the middle school rate has dropped to 8.7%.

“The high school smoking rate in Maine has dropped by 48% and the middle school rate by 59%,” the Governor said. “This dramatic decline will save Maine taxpayers in health care costs and more importantly, will save thousands of Maine lives.”

Joining Governor Baldacci at today's announcement were Peter Walsh, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, Dr. Dora Anne Mills, Director of the Bureau of Health, and representatives from the Department of Education. Flanking them were area high school and middle school students.

“In 1997, after helping to lead the nation in youth smoking rates, our state decided to lead the nation in cutting those rates,” said DHS Commissioner Walsh. “We have since been praised nationally for our comprehensive approach, and today we have the results to back up that praise.”

In 1997, the State Legislature raised the excise tax on cigarettes and used a portion of that money to establish the Partnership-For A Tobacco-Free Maine (PTM). Those actions, along with the Legislature's subsequent decision in 2000 to use Tobacco Master Settlement monies to further fund PTM and Healthy Maine Partnerships, enabled the State to adopt and implement a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. This strategy includes supporting community and school prevention efforts across the state, a statewide counter marketing campaign, a retail enforcement program, tobacco-free schools, and a Helpline to assist current smokers to quit.

“The dramatic results we announce today are due to a well-conceived strategy, brought to life by a lot of dedicated people,” said Governor Baldacci. “Community groups, educators, elected officials, and state employees at the Department of Human Services' Bureau of Health, the Department of Education, and the Attorney General's Office all deserve our thanks.

“In the end, though there is only one group that deserves the credit. That is the kids themselves, who were smart enough to know this about tobacco: 'it's a trick, not a treat'.”

Contact Info:
Governor's Office
Dr. Dora Anne Mills: 287-3270