The Governor of Missouri has announced the largest single investment in anti-smoking efforts in the state's history, earning praise from the largest healthcare system in central Missouri.
On August 3, 2022, Don Young, who became mute due to smoking, shared his story with Governor Mike Parson and others. The photo was provided by the governor's Flickr page.
MU Health, headquartered in Columbia, has announced that this move will save Missouri $21 million in healthcare costs. Dr. Kevin Everett, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine, expressed excitement about the announcement to 939 the Eagle, stating that "this is a great start. We really need this in Missouri where smoking rates are high and young people are using e-cigarette products. It will be very important to develop cessation programs and access for people.
The Center for Disease Control stated that the use of e-cigarettes poses a safety hazard to children, adolescents, and young adults. Governor Parson announced that $2.5 million will be allocated towards a smoking cessation program, with an initial funding of only $50,000.
Meanwhile, a man from Missouri named Don Young has been left mute due to smoking. He claims to have received thousands of letters, and his story has inspired people to quit smoking. Young spoke at a press conference held by the governor of Columbia, and the room fell silent as he used a machine to communicate.
Everett stated that Don Young's story is very persuasive.
According to Dr. Everett, Don Young leads a difficult and inescapable life, but he is a great advocate for raising awareness about the dangers of smoking.
The Governor stated that the smoking cessation program aims to protect minors from the harmful effects of illegal tobacco sales. Governor Parson noted that tobacco is the leading cause of illness and premature death in Missouri, with 11,000 deaths attributed to smoking each year in the state.
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