Jump to full article: CNSNews, 2009-01-13
Author: Susan Jones, Senior Editor
Intro: In a year 2008 report released Tuesday, the American Lung Association gives the federal government a failing grade on tobacco regulation.
In addition, the report faults the federal government for failing to require Medicaid coverage of smoking cessation treatments; and failing to raise the federal cigarette tax. The American Lung Association also wants the Senate to ratify an international tobacco control treaty.
All of it is likely to happen on Barack Obama's watch. For starters, Obama on Monday named Willliam Corr to serve as deputy secretary at the Health and Human Services Department. . . .
In announcing Corr's appointment, Obama said overhauling the nation's health care system would be a top priority and a key to putting the economy back on track.
"Under the leadership of Tom Daschle and Bill Corr, I am confident that my Department of Health and Human Services will bring people together to reach consensus on how to move forward with health care reform," Obama was quoted as saying in a prepared statement. . . .
"Our new leaders in Washington have an unprecedented opportunity to change the direction of public health by taking steps that ultimately will save millions of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars for the American economy," said Charles D. Connor, president and CEO of the American Lung Association.
"During these economically challenged times, it simply cannot be ignored that investing in tobacco prevention and cessation programs is one of the most cost effective ways to improve our nation's health while trimming the bottom line," Connor said in a news release on Tuesday.
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