Ohio Advocates Rally for Tobacco Tax Adjustment, CPR in Schools Funding to Save Lives
(COLUMBUS) March 18, 2025 – Ohio’s smoking rate is continually above the national average, yet smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. Meanwhile, of the more than 350,000 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year, 90% will not survive.
Given these alarming statistics, the American Heart Association, dedicated to a world of longer, healthier lives for all, gathered more than two dozen advocates from across Ohio at the statehouse on March 18th to call on lawmakers to pass policies ranging from tobacco tax adjustments to funding for CPR training in schools. In total, the volunteers held 45 meetings with legislative offices.
“We are reaching out to our lawmakers to advocate for legislation that advances health and hope for everyone, everywhere,” said Dr. Lawrence Prochaska, member of the American Heart Association’s Ohio State Advocacy Committee. “This is about saving lives, and it starts with public policy.”
Here's a closer look at two critical pieces of legislation they championed on Tuesday:
Tobacco Tax Adjustment
Why it’s important: The use of inhaled nicotine delivery products, which includes traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping, is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., including about a third of all deaths from heart disease.
Key facts: Each year, more than 22,700 Ohio youth under 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette.
The last time Ohio’s tax on cigarettes was increased was 2015. The last increase for Other Tobacco Products was 1993.
The ask: To change these numbers and protect Ohio’s children, the American Heart Association is calling on state legislators to:
- Adjust the tobacco excise tax by $1.50 per pack of cigarettes with a parallel tax - 42% - on all Other Tobacco Products
- Maintain the proposed $10M appropriation for the Tobacco Use Prevention Fund
“It’s been a decade since Ohio raised its tobacco tax. We’re simply asking lawmakers to adjust this tax in a way that reflects today's pricing,” explained Dustin Holfinger, State Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association in Ohio. “Tobacco tax increases are proven methods to help prevent youth from starting to use tobacco, and help others quit.”
Funding for CPR Training in Schools
Why it’s important: Each year in the U.S., more than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital. Of those, 23,000 are children and about 40% are sports related. Unfortunately, 9 out of 10 of these cardiac events result in death. However, if performed immediately, CPR could double or triple the chances of survival.
Key facts: This initiative will train more than 100,000 Ohioans in lifesaving CPR.
The ask: In 2016, the legislature required all high school students to learn CPR as a curriculum requirement. The American Heart Association and its advocates are asking the Ohio Legislature to:
- Appropriate $606,800/year to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to ensure schools have what they need for this training
“Cardiac arrests can happen at home, in the classroom and on athletic fields,” Prochaska said. “Teaching students CPR before they graduate puts thousands of qualified lifesavers in our community, year after year. This funding will ensure we empower the next generation to be a vital link in the chain of survival.”
Need Action Now
Join the American Heart Association in advocating for longer, healthier lives. Constituents can contact their legislators today to let them know these policies are a top priority for their families and community. Learn more and get involved at yourethecure.org or text "OH” to 46839.
Additional Resources:
Downloadable b-roll, interviews/soundbytes and photos are available via these links
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
