Task force requests state funding to reduce tobacco use in WV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State lawmakers could soon consider a funding request aimed at reducing tobacco use across West Virginia.

Dr. Susan Morgan

The Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Task Force presented its final report Sunday to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability.

Dr. Susan Morgan, who lead the presentation on behalf of the Task Force, said they’re recommending $16.5 million annually be taken from the interest of the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

“The $16.5 million funding coupled with policy recommendations and limiting barriers to evidence based treatment, outlined in this document, should have a significant impact on tobacco use rates in West Virginia,” Morgan told lawmakers.

Morgan called tobacco use “a chronic disease” and “should be treated as such.” She said that’s why they are requesting $1.6 million be put toward the West Virginia Tobacco Cessation Quitline.

“In a rural state like West Virginia, offering online and phone cessation services is critical,” Morgan said. “The Task Force recommends more data collection, periodic evaluations and public reporting components to the Quitline.”

The Quitline heard from more than 4,500 callers from 2018 to 2020 who smoked two to five packs of cigarettes per day. Morgan said heavy smokers need more than a nicotine patch to overcome addiction.

“Two patches might work for a two pack-a-day smoker, but not those utilizing three, four or even five packs of cigarettes a day, thus the importance of tobacco treatment specialists,” she said.

The Task Force has also requested an expansion of the Quitline, adding tobacco treatment clinics in different areas of the state to help create better access.

“This will assist the Quitline in both the patient or individual getting adequate levels of medication and counseling simultaneously at a time when they’re ready to quit tobacco use,” Morgan said.

About $99,000 annually should go to train 150 health care providers for each of the next five years to become certified tobacco treatment specialists, the Task Force wrote.

In addition, the Task Force is requesting $964,000 to place 14 certified tobacco treatment training specialists in the areas served by 13 behavioral health clinics throughout the state. They also want to provide a virtual cessation program.

Morgan is a clinical assistant professor at the WVU School of Dentistry and served as the vice chair of the Task Force.

The group formed in 2020 as a result of the passage of HB 4494. Members said they want the Task Force remain in place for another year, so they can review the implementation of their recommendations.





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