Once again, we're last in the nation

South Carolina once again is last in the nation, and the latest statistic is no less depressing than all the other worst-in-the-nation rankings we've earned.

Our state ranks last in spending money on smoking prevention programs, according to a report by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids released on the 10th anniversary of the states' multibillion-dollar tobacco lawsuit settlement.

Unfortunately, South Carolina's performance fits well with our lowest-in-the country tax on cigarettes, a paltry 7 cents a pack.

That tax hasn't changed in nearly 32 years. The national average is now $1.19 a pack. ...

Why can't state lawmakers see the long-term advantages of preventing illness and disease caused by smoking?

According to the report, 18 percent of South Carolina high school students and 21.9 percent of adults smoke.

About 6,300 more children start smoking each year.

Tobacco kills 5,900 residents each year and costs the state $1.1 billion in medical bills. We have the money, we're just not willing to spend it on smoking prevention. ...

The only bright spot this past year was the increasing number of local governments banning smoking in public places, including Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Beaufort County.

Still, on the 10th anniversary of the states' settlement with tobacco companies, it's disappointing to see that despite some progress, we still have so far to go.

The (Hilton Head) Island Packet