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Florida's involvement in tobacco prevention efforts dates back to 1989 when the
Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services began receiving federal funding
to implement tobacco prevention and control activities. In 1997, Florida successfully
settled with the tobacco industry for $11.3 billion to recoup Medicaid costs incurred
by smokers. As part of the settlement agreement, Florida launched the Tobacco Pilot
Program targeting tobacco use among underage youth. Five years later, the funding
for the tobacco program was cut to $1 million. This required the program to discontinue
several key components of its youth tobacco program such as school-based tobacco
education, youth development, and counter-marketing efforts, otherwise known as
the "truth" campaign.
The 2007 Florida Legislature passed legislation to implement the constitutional
amendment. Section 381.84, Florida Statutes, authorizes DOH to create a statewide
comprehensive tobacco prevention and control program consistent with the CDC's Best
Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs. In addition, the statute requires
DOH to work with a 23-member advisory council to advise the State Surgeon General
as to the direction and the scope of the tobacco program; adopt rules for the program;
award funding to AHECs for cessation and training; and provide an annual report
that evaluates the program effectiveness in reducing and preventing tobacco use
and recommends improvements to enhance the program's effectiveness.
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