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According to the Register-Herald, a poll was taken by the American Heart Association (AHA) recently showed that 60% of around 600 respondents favor taxing sugary drinks in West Virginia.
From the same poll 53% West Virginians said they would support a 1 to cent per ounce tax on sugary drinks.
But what could a sugary drink tax do for the community and its health?
According to Harvard University School of Public Health study, not only would a 2 cent per ounce tax generate $128 million for the state, but also help decrease sugary drinks for the community in turn reducing type 2 diabetes by 2 % and over 10 years could save over $160 million dollars in health care costs.
Many people in the survey fear that children will develop the diseases that are linked with daily consumption of sugary beverages, like type 2 diabetes, unhealthy weights, cavities, heart disease and more.
Even local doctors like pediatric dentist Dr. Vinod Miriyala are speaking up in support for the tax.
The AHA community is interested in promoting the tax, believing that it will be an investment for a healthier workforce and stronger economy across the state, explained Christine Compton, the Government Relations Director for the AHA.
Even other research, done by Ferguson Reasearch LLC showed that 67% of West Virginians prefer a sugary drink tax over a grocery tax.
Many cities have recently passed sugary drink taxes, hoping to achieve decreased health disparities and also increase revenue for the city, county, and communities for other initiatives mainly based on health.
Even now, Santa Fe, New Mexico is considering a sugary drink tax, hoping to expand funds for pre-k education to communities, similar to what was done in Philadelphia where the changes are already showing in pre-k education for low-income families.
Sugary drinks consumption, especially among youth, continues to contribute to unhealthy weights, health risks and future economic setbacks in health care costs.
To learn more about how people have taken action to reduce consumption of sugary drinks for all youth, and especially Latino youth, click here.
By The Numbers
74
percent
of Latino kids have had a sugary drink by age 2 (vs. 45% of white kids)
