W.Va. Smoking Rate Higher than Surrounding States

A new study says West Virginia's adult smoking rate hasn't declined significantly in nearly two decades.

The study says drastic changes in policy and community engagement are needed to reduce the state's smoking rates.

The study was published in the July-August issue of the West Virginia Medical Journal. It says West Virginia's daily adult smoking rate didn't fall below 20 percent of the population between 1995 and 2010.

During the same period, smoking rates in Virginia and Pennsylvania dropped below 15 percent.

Rates in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee fell below 20 percent.

State Division of Tobacco Prevention director Bruce Adkins says that all 55 counties have some form of Clean Indoor Air Act. However, he says only 27 counties ban smoking inside all public facilities.