OLYMPIA – Washington’s adult smoking rate has declined to a new low of 14.8 percent, but Ferry and Okanogan counties’ rates remain much higher.
     Ferry County notched a 27.8 percent smoking rate for 2009, according to statistics from the state Department of Health.
     Okanogan County had a 21.9 percent rate.
     The statewide rate is the third-lowest in the nation and is down from 15.3 percent in 2008.
     Despite gains statewide, smokeless tobacco use is on the rise among people who already smoke, state figures show. People from low-income and lower educational backgrounds continue to smoke at higher rates, 29 and 27 percent, respectively.
     The Washington State Tobacco Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, 1-877-2NO-FUME, provides free help to people who are ready to quit.