The smoking rate in Island County is a relatively low 15.3 percent, helping propel Washington state to the fifth lowest smoking rate in the nation.

In 1999, the smoking rate in Washington state was 22.4 percent and by 2006, has smoldered to only 17 percent.

“The drop translates to about 235,000 fewer smokers and savings of $2.1 billion in future health care costs. Washington continues to have the fifth lowest smoking rate in the nation,” reports a news release by the Washington State Department of Health.

Washington’s vigorous efforts to stop smokers mid-cigarette have paid off. “It is clear that Washington is making strides in reducing smoking and I am pleased with the progress; yet we need to do more to help those who are having problems quitting for good,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire in the news release.

Locally, Island County Health Department’s Dan Bond echoed her thoughts.

“We are slightly below the state numbers on most indicators and that is good. We think, however, that it is not good enough,” Bond explained, “If for instance, the state numbers of current smokers are 20 percent, and our numbers are 17 percent, that 17 percent represents real people whose health is being compromised each and every day they smoke. We in public health will never be satisfied with that. We will not be satisfied until that number is zero.”

The release noted that the drop in smoking rates parallels the development of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in 2000.

“Tobacco prevention and control is a priority for our state, and overall it is paying off with fewer smokers,” said Mary Selecky, Secretary of Health, in the release.

Bond agrees.

“Since the passage of 1-901, the new law prohibiting smoking in public places, we have been seeing increased awareness of the irrefutable dangers of smoking and of exposure to secondhand smoke. It is quite simply no longer socially acceptable to smoke,” said Bond.

Bond said that Island County is doing a good job of social marketing, or getting the word out about smoking.

“And, in my own view, exposing another person to your second-hand smoke is tantamount to physical assault. It is that damaging to one’s health. That is why it is now illegal. We now see fewer people who are starting to smoke, and more people are trying to quit,” Bond said.

Island County Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Public Health Coordinator Jessica Minder said the county’s plan to decrease smoking rates include increasing awareness about the risks of tobacco, getting involved with youth activities to promote tobacco prevention and increasing awareness about cessation resources.