Fairbanks Studies Show State Losing Lives And Billions To Tobacco And Opioids

fiarbanks-foundation

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind – Two new reports from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation say that opioids and tobacco claimed the lives of more than 14,000 Indiana residents last year.

The state economy also lost $12.6 billion in health care expenses, productivity and other economic damages.

The group recommends raising the cigarette tax by $2 a pack and increase the legal smoking age to 21.

The studies also suggest expanding access to syringe exchanges and safe disposal sites for opioids.