Today: Lung Association to Discuss Embargoed Tobacco Control Report Card Results for NYS

WHAT: The American Lung Association in New York will discuss New York's grades on its annual State of Tobacco Control report during an embargoed conference call scheduled for 3:00 PM (ET), today. During the conference call, the Lung Association will go over the report card which tracks progress on key tobacco control policies at the federal and state level, and explain how New York's grades reflect the strength of its laws in protecting citizens from the enormous burden caused by tobacco use.

WHO:

- Jeffrey Seyler, American Lung Association in New York, CEO

- Thomas Carr, American Lung Association, Director of National Policy

- Dr. Irwin Berlin, Chief of the Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine Division at Elmhurst Hospital Center and chair of the Board of Directors of the American Lung Association in New York.

- Susan Kennedy, Director of the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island (TAC), a community partnership working to establish smoke-free policies to make Long Island a healthier place to live.

WHEN: Today, Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 3:00 – 4:00 PM (ET)

EMBARGO: Thursday, January 19, 2012, at 5:00 AM (ET)-for publication in Thursday publications

RSVP: Pre-registration is required. To obtain access information for accredited journalists only, please contact Kathleen O'Neill at koneill@alany.org

Editor's note: For a National perspective on State of Tobacco Control 2012 including an overview of federal and state tobacco control grades, the American Lung Association will be hosting an embargoed National press conference and webinar at 1:00 PM (ET) today prior to the New York call. Those wishing to join the National webinar/press briefing must pre-register via the following link: http://event.onlineseminarsolutions.com/r.htm?e=391921&s=1&k=3D373F68D740060D531AF89E172D78C2

About the American Lung Association in New York

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in New York is the leading statewide organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the Lung Association, a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity Seal Holder, or to support our work, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.alany.org.