Behavioral Health
Mental Health
Persons with mental illness smoke nearly half of all cigarettes produced, but they are only half as likely to quit as other smokers. More than 44 percent of adults with serious mental illness are smokers, compared with about 20 percent for society at large. Half of related deaths (200,000) are among people with mental illnesses. Studies shows that people with serious mental illness die 25 years before the general population. Concurrently, this population experiences higher rates of disease and premature death and a reduced quality of life. Most will die from smoking-caused diseases.
Recognizing the importance of addressing this underserved population, the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is working with an array of partners to achieve norm change regarding smoking intervention for those with behavioral health issues, including mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
For more information visit:
- Resources
- Substance Use Disorders
- Progress: The Communiqué Newsletter
- The Partnership: Mobilizing for Change
- Data
- Partnership Strategies
- Adding Partners