The Partnership at Drugfree.org Endorses "Yes" on Proposition 29

Public health group joins long list of health advocates & cancer survivors united in fight against Big Tobacco

LOS ANGELES, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, The Partnership at Drugfree.org endorsed Proposition 29, a tobacco tax initiative on the June 5 ballot that will raise money for cancer and other tobacco-related disease research in California. Jane Warner, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in California, released this statement in regard to the new endorsement:

"We are thrilled that The Partnership at Drugfree.org joined the hundreds of thousands of public health organizations, doctors, business leaders, educators and citizens throughout California in endorsing YES on Prop 29. The nonprofit understands all too well that addiction kills, and Prop 29 will save more than 100,000 lives and prevent more than 200,000 children from becoming addicted to tobacco."

Teri Christensen, Senior Vice President and California Director of The Partnership at Drugfree.org added, "Yes on 29 is the right thing for our children and our state. Tobacco addiction and the lung disease, heart disease and cancer that comes from its use are taking a huge toll on our state and the nation. We are proud to endorse YES on Prop 29."

Prop 29, an initiative on the June 5 primary ballot, will raise the cost of a pack of cigarettes by $1 and dedicate those new funds to cancer and other tobacco-related disease research and smoking cessation efforts. Written by the American Cancer Society in California, the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate and the American Lung Association in California, Prop 29 is supported by the Lance Armstrong Foundation and doctors, scientists and researchers throughout California.

Paid for by Yes on 29, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Inc. and American Cancer Society Inc. Ballot Committee. Major funding by American Cancer Society Inc. and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Inc.

Contacts: Campaign Hotline, 916.397.4618
Candice Besson, The Partnership at Drugfree.org, 212-973-3517

SOURCE American Lung Association in California