PHARMACIES ARE FOR HEALTH – NOT DEATH AND DISEASE
In October, City Councilwomen Marian Tasco proposed legislation banning sale of tobacco products at pharmacies. The Philadelphia County Medical Society is committed to ending the avoidable deaths and disease caused by tobacco. Each year 2,100 Philadelphians die and additional 40,000 residents develop lung and heart disease and other forms of smoking related cancers. These tragedies are disproportionately even higher in racial and ethnic city minorities. It has been estimated that the cost per pack that SOCIETY PAYS for tobacco related health issues and loss of productivity may be over $100 per pack. A high price for an already cost and access stressed healthcare community.
On November 19, Philadelphia can lead a truly Great American Smoke Out. Let us urge City Council to pass this important legislation to end tobacco product sales and put health before corporate profits.
Michael DellaVecchia, MD, PhD, FACS, FICS
154th President
Philadelphia County Medical Society
