A new report about the state of tobacco control is out, and Arizona isn’t exactly making the grade.
According to the American Lung Association’s 24th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, Arizona needs to step up efforts to reduce tobacco use to protect communities. When it comes to funding for state tobacco prevention programs, Arizona once again scored an F — the state has failed in that category every year since 2018.
Funding for Tobacco Free Arizona increased to $22 million in 2026. Still the Lung Association says the state is short of CDC recommended levels. The Lung Association is urging lawmakers to better fund these programs and increase taxes on all tobacco products.
The “State of Tobacco Control” report grades states and the District of Columbia in five areas that have been proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. In the 2026 report, Arizona received the following grades:
- Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
- Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade F
- Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade B
- Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade D
- Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products – Grade F
-
The federal judge who ordered the takeover of Arizona’s prison healthcare system earlier this year because of years of unconstitutionally inadequate care is looking to quickly appoint a receiver to oversee the care of more than 25,000 state inmates.
-
A new federal report lists numerous problems miners face in receiving benefits. A former coal miner and advocate on the Navajo Nation says the issues it raises aren't new to him.
-
Older adults are having sex, and they’re not always using protection. Context is important here: Protection to one generation might mean from pregnancy. They might not consider STIs. And stigma remains a barrier.
-
The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be out across the state this week to encourage boaters to keep safe by wearing life jackets.
-
The case involves state laws that ban certain advanced practice clinicians like specially trained nurse practitioners from providing abortion services — something they’ve historically done.