There have now been 28 Surgeon General reports on smoking and health since 1964. We have made progress among adults, reducing the percentage of smokers from nearly 50 percent in 1964 to about 25 percent today. But every day in this country 3,000 children begin smoking, and 1,000 of them will become addicted before they are old enough to buy cigarettes legally. We would like to see a decrease in smoking in television programs and movies that is at least comparable to the reduction in smoking since 1964. Another important area where we would like to work with you involves mental health.
Mental health impacts every area of our lives and relationships.
Mental health problems are as common as physical health problems. Yet for too long our attitude toward them has been stigmatization and blame instead of caring and support. It is time for a change. On Monday the White House will hold the first-ever White House Conference on Mental Health. By the end of the year, we will release the first-ever Surgeon General's report on Mental Health.