Worcester Raises Age of Buying Tobacco to Age 21
Thursday, June 02, 2016
The Worcester Board of Health voted last night to raise the age after hours or debate.
“Tobacco use is the #1 cause of preventable death and disability in Massachusetts. More than 9,000 residents die every year from the effects of tobacco – one person every hour of every day. Thousands more are disabled by tobacco use, suffering with chronic illness and pain,” according to the Central MA Tobacco - Free Community Partnership.
This is the first major change to the Worcester’s Tobacco Products Control Ordinance since July of 2010.
The effort to boost the age to purchase is driven by an initiative sweeping across the Commonwealth -- #tobacco21.
The community-by-community and state-by-state effort to increase the age is lead by Tobacco 21.
Healthy2020
In addition, there is an ongoing effort to improve public health in Central MA -- Healthy2020, which outlines 79 different ways in 5 different areas to improve health:
Healthy Eating & Active Living
Substance Abuse Prevention & Mental Health
Primary Care & Wellness
Violence & Injury Prevention
and Health Equity
Eat better and move more
Drink fewer sugary drinks
Quit smoking
Watch your alcohol intake
Properly get rid of your prescription drugs
Know what resources exist to prevent overdoses
Recognize the signs of mental illness
See a primary care doctor
Take care of your teeth
Practice safe sex and get tested regularly
Watch out for living situations that can cause falls
Practice safe motor-vehicle operation
Be careful while walking and biking
Work toward a more equitable community
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