Editor,
Every week we hear stories about someone overdosing on heroin. It is turning into an epidemic, and I am glad that our lawmakers are serious about tackling the problem.
Approximately 95 percent of people who are treated for addiction to opioids are also addicted to cigarettes. If we can help people fight the addiction to cigarettes, or even better, never become addicted to begin with, we will save them from a lifetime of chronic diseases and reduce their risk for abusing other drugs.
That is why I am in favor of the Raise It For Health campaign to raise the cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack and increase funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs.
Again, I applaud our lawmakers for wanting to tackle the drug problem and let’s keep our children drug free by increasing the cigarette tax by $1.50.
George L. Kristo
Executive Director
Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs.