We're urging cities in Greater Kansas City to raise the age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21.

According to a March, 2015 Institute of Medicine study, Tobacco 21 would result in a 25% decline in usage among 15-17 year olds and a 15% decline in usage among 18-20 year olds.  These estimates are reinforced by data from Needham, Massachusetts, where Tobacco 21, along with other policy initiatives, resulted in a 46% decline in smoking usage in the first five years after its passage.

This data is even more important because if you don't start smoking early, you are much less likely to become a life-long smoker.  In fact, research shows that those who have had their first cigarettes by age 18 are almost twice as likely to become lifelong smokers as those who have not tried by age 21.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and its more than 100 community partners, through the "Healthy KC" initiative, hope to make Greater Kansas City a destination for health and wellness.  We see Tobacco 21 as one important step to that goal.

104 cities in 7 states and the entire state of Hawaii have passed Tobacco 21 laws and many more are considering it.

Please join the KC Chamber, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and more than 100 partners in our effort to improve our community's health through Tobacco 21.

To learn more about this effort go to:  www.wearehealthykc.com

Thank you!