Iowa Highlights

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and in Iowa. To address this enormous toll, the American Lung Association calls for the following actions to be taken by Iowa’s elected officials:

The Iowa Tobacco Prevention Alliance, of which the American Lung Association is a member, worked successfully with partners to defeat House File 566, a bill that would have eliminated the Iowa Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Commission. Created after the landmark Master Settlement Agreement of 1998 between 52 states and territories and the four largest tobacco companies, the Commission has served as an influential voice for the public to advise our state on effective tobacco prevention and control programs in Iowa. Under HF 566, the Commission would have been absolved, leaving Iowa communities without a crucial body to be their voice in the fight against tobacco.

In fiscal year 2023, partnerships from 50 out of 99 of Iowa’s counties submitted tobacco free/nicotine free policies for a local business, childcare, school, outdoor event, or parks. The Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program received 222 policies and more than 215, or 97%, were comprehensive, meaning they cover all types of tobacco and nicotine, apply to everyone (employees, students, visitors, etc.) always, include any company vehicles, and at least apply to all enclosed areas. These comprehensive tobacco free/nicotine free policies go above and beyond the Iowa Smokefree Air Act requirements, which only covers cigarettes, not e-cigarettes or other forms of tobacco or nicotine.

Improving the health of pregnant people and people living with mental and/or behavioral health disorders through reduction in tobacco and nicotine use is a priority for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IHHS) in 2024. Capitalizing on an opportunity to gain greater understanding of the unique health needs of these populations in Iowa, IHHS’s Tobacco Control Program partnered with the Center for Social and Behavioral Research at the University of Northern Iowa to conduct a survey of providers of community, behavioral, and mental health services across the state in the spring of 2023. This survey has helped IHHS identify gaps in tobacco cessation services and led to the development of comprehensive tobacco cessation programs offered by Quitline Iowa, the state of Iowa's free tobacco cessation program.

Adequately funding evidence-based tobacco control programs is effective at preventing and reducing tobacco use. Iowa has made progress in reducing the tobacco burden and needs to continue its commitment to this endeavor by increasing state funding for tobacco prevention and control. Additional funding is available through Juul settlement dollars that have and will be given to the state to reduce tobacco use, especially among youth. It is crucial that Iowa use these funds for their intended purpose so we can prevent tobacco addiction in future generations.