Welcome to the new MATCH Website!

We hope this page becomes a one-stop resource for information, advocacy, education and action against tobacco use in Connecticut and beyond. Being able to enhance communication with our members, grassroots constituents and the public is critical to moving the tobacco prevention and control agenda. Please bookmark us at www.matchcoalitionct.com to learn more about the coalition, what MATCH is doing and how you can get involved.

We have achieved a great number of victories in our fight against big tobacco—from establishing statewide smoke free laws and securing coverage of tobacco control programs and services through Medicaid, to taking the first steps towards regulating electronic nicotine delivery systems and addressing smoking in public housing. However there is still much more work to be done.

Statistics indicate 4,900 people will die in Connecticut this year from tobacco use while at the same time 5.6 million packs of cigarettes will be smoked by children under 18. Tobacco use costs the state $2.03 billion in health care costs however, despite proven practices that reduce tobacco use by helping smokers quit and preventing kids from starting the addiction, Connecticut does not currently fund any non-Medicaid tobacco control programs.

The upcoming legislative session provides an opportunity to continue our efforts to restore funding for tobacco programs and reduce smoking rates in Connecticut by implementing new practices such as increasing the sale age of tobacco to 21. MATCH and our partners are never stronger than when we are collectively speaking in one loud voice for action.  

MATCH is committed to work on legislative and regulatory issues that affect tobacco and other chronic disease areas. We will continue to strive for expanded coverage for cessation and prohibiting smoking in all workplaces in Connecticut, as well as voluntary policies that reduce the initiation and use of tobacco products and the harm associated with them.

Our collaboration with traditional and many new partners give us a strong voice at the legislature and in the community. We hope to continue to build on that strong collaboration in the coming year with all of you.

Bryte Johnson
Chair, MATCH Coalition