Creating a Tobacco Cessation Program for People with Disabilities: LIFT to E- LIFT

In 1964, the Surgeon General released the first report linking smoking to the increased risk of lung and laryngeal cancer, as well as chronic bronchitis [1]. Over the years research has shown smoking not only causes lung and laryngeal cancer, but a variety of cancers and an increased risk of stroke, respiratory diseases, diabetes and a decrease in fertility and immune function [2]. Despite the serious health consequences, health warnings on cigarettes packages, and the banning of cigarette advertisements on television, 42.1 million U.S. adults currently smoke, and approximately 480,000 U.S. deaths are attributed to cigarette smoking each year [1-3]. While the overall rate of cigarette use in the US continues to decline, 25.4 percent of people with disabilities (PWD) smoke compared to 17.3 percent of the able-bodied population [4].