Oklahoma has reached a significant milestone as it enters the new year, with the state’s adult smoking rate dropping to an all-time low of 14.1 percent. This achievement reflects the success of a long-term commitment to reducing tobacco use, as reported in a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The current rate marks a decrease from 15.8 percent in 2023 and a substantial decline from 28.7 percent in 2001, following the establishment of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.
This progress signifies thousands of Oklahomans enjoying healthier lives with their families and contributes to a more robust workforce. The reduction in smoking rates can be attributed to several initiatives, including the 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 prohibitions on tobacco use. These measures have not only decreased exposure to harmful secondhand smoke but have also encouraged many individuals to reduce their tobacco consumption or quit altogether.
While the state celebrates these advancements, the need for ongoing efforts to combat tobacco use remains critical. Smoking continues to claim the lives of approximately 7,500 Oklahomans each year, with additional fatalities linked to illnesses caused by secondhand smoke. Youth nicotine use poses another challenge; teenagers are reported to be five times more likely to use highly addictive vape products than traditional cigarettes, with nearly 10,000 high school students in Oklahoma still smoking.
To safeguard the next generation, continual prevention strategies and updated policies are essential. As individuals set resolutions for 2026, committing to quit tobacco emerges as a vital and life-saving decision. Nicotine addiction can be formidable, yet support is readily accessible. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline has aided over half a million registrants since its inception in 2003. Its recent report indicates that nearly 45 percent of participants remained tobacco-free for at least 30 days, a figure that surpasses the national benchmark.
The Helpline serves as a reliable resource, providing no-cost assistance that meets individuals at their current stage, guiding them towards improved health outcomes. As the new year unfolds, the momentum generated by these efforts is crucial in ensuring that more Oklahomans have the opportunity to lead longer, healthier lives.
Julie Bisbee, executive director of Oklahoma’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, emphasizes the importance of maintaining this forward momentum, calling for continued dedication to reducing tobacco use and enhancing the overall well-being of the state’s residents.
