A coalition of leading public health organizations today expressed relief that Oklahoma’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) remains unaltered following the legislature’s final adjournment.
TSET’s life-saving programming is supported by a broad coalition of public health organizations including Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Oklahoma State Medical Association, Oklahoma Nurses Association, Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, Oklahoma Public Health Association, Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology, Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and American Lung Association.
Established in 2000 by Oklahoma voters, TSET is a grant-making trust that receives the majority of Oklahoma’s Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) payments. The funds TSET receives are not taxpayer dollars. The funds are constitutionally protected and dedicated to public health.
“For more than two decades, TSET has funded impactful programs to successfully help smokers quit and prevent young Oklahomans from picking up their first cigarette,” said Claudia Rodas, regional advocacy director, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “TSET is a national model for how MSA funds should be allocated to their intended purpose of improving public health outcomes. Our coalition is committed to working with Oklahoma’s public health agencies, advocates and legislative leaders to ensure these programs continue to make a lasting impact for future generations.”
Because TSET has consistently funded tobacco control and public health efforts, Oklahoma has experienced substantial health and fiscal benefits, including:
• A 45% decrease in adult smoking prevalence in Oklahoma, falling from 28.6% at TSET’s inception to 15.8% in 2025.
• Funding for vital research and clinical trials through OU Health’s Stephenson Cancer Center, including a breakthrough in the treatment of pediatric leukemia. In the last fiscal year alone, Stephenson reached nearly 30,000 Oklahomans through outreach, screenings and clinical trial enrollment because of TSET’s support.
• TSET’s Physician Loan Repayment Program, has placed 141 physicians in medically underserved areas of the state, bringing primary care doctors to counties needing medical professionals.
• The creation of Oklahoma’s first mobile lung cancer screening program. After receiving a $1.7 million TSET grant, Stephenson’s Oklahoma Mobile Lung Cancer Screening Bus began providing CT scans to communities with limited access to preventive care.
• TSET invests in prevention, supporting Oklahomans in making healthy choices and reducing the need for costly health care for chronic diseases, by partnering with communities and organizations across the state to create safe places for physical activity and improving access to healthy, whole foods and empowering Oklahomans to make healthier choices.
Coalition members are encouraged by legislative efforts to learn more about TSET’s success and how TSET’s investments are improving health in Oklahoma communities large and small.
“Wellness is not only a public health priority, but also an economic one,” said Matt Glanville, Oklahoma government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “Throughout the legislative session, members of our coalition had productive conversations with lawmakers from across Oklahoma and on both sides of the aisle ... TSET will remain an important asset to help address urgent and persistent public health challenges. We look forward to continuing those conversations and identifying ways we can support Oklahoma communities.”
