Tobacco use and treatment resources to promote equity

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) serves a Veteran population that is diverse. Equitable access to high-quality care for all Veterans is a major tenet of the VA healthcare mission. The Office of Health Equity (OHE) champions the elimination of health disparities and achieving health equity for all Veterans. HEALTH DISPARITIES Smoking is a significant health problem for Veterans and remains an important measure in assessing the health of VA enrollees. Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Although most young smokers start smoking prior to age 18, many Veterans began smoking during their military service. (author introduction)