Message from the President Dear Colleague, Two reports related to our nation's smoking epidemic were released last month; one revealing stark evidence of a serious drug and smoking problem in middle and high schools and a second report proposing substantial ways to address the issue of tobacco use in our country. A study released by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) provides evidence that at least once a week 31 percent of high school students and nine percent of middle school students see illegal drugs used or sold, or see other students high and/or drunk. The CASA report found that students at these "drug-infested" schools are four times more likely to smoke cigarettes than those at schools they term "drug-free." Other disturbing results show that teens who consider themselves among the most popular and who attend "drug-infested" schools are four and a half times more likely to smoke or chew tobacco than those at "drug-free" schools who consider themselves among the most popular. In addition, a new report issued by the President's Cancer Panel last month outlines steps that — if enacted — could mean real progress in this fight against tobacco. Legacy senior staff participated in the panel discussion that resulted in the report and the foundation praises the President's Cancer Panel for its assertive call to the nation's leaders to take action to reduce the harms of tobacco. This, coupled with the CASA findings, underscore that an aggressive strategy is needed to combat smoking's influence, including a continuing need for youth smoking prevention and comprehensive smoking cessation. We look forward to working with our colleagues in tobacco control to build a smoke-free world where young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit. Sincerely, Cheryl G. Healton, Dr. P.H. President & CEO American Legacy Foundation