Colorado Hospital Association Supports Effort to Reduce Youth Nicotine and Tobacco Use Through Referred Measure

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – April 29, 2019 – Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) supports House Bill 19-1333 to send Colorado voters a referred measure increasing the state’s tobacco tax and include liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes. “CHA and its member hospitals have historically supported measures of this kind, as they reduce use of tobacco and nicotine products and improve the health of our communities,” said Steven Summer, president and CEO, CHA.

“Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and costs every Colorado family $707 in annual health costs. Colorado hospitals are constantly pursuing efforts to reduce the cost of health care in our state and taking collective steps to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use – particularly among teens and young adults – just makes sense.”

CHA applauds efforts of the coalition to strike the right balance across funding priorities, especially: funding for prevention and cessation of tobacco and liquid nicotine use; behavioral health; and health care affordability. The Association urges the legislature to move forward with a referred measure allowing voters to weigh in on this important public policy issue this fall.

About Colorado Hospital Association

Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) is the leading voice of Colorado’s hospital and health system community. Representing more than 100 member hospitals and health systems throughout the state, CHA serves as a trusted, credible and reliable resource on health issues, hospital data and trends for its members, media, policymakers and the general public. Through CHA, Colorado’s hospitals and health systems work together in their shared commitment to improve health and health care in Colorado. Learn more at www.cha.com

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