INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A coalition including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana State Medical Association has formed to work toward reducing smoking and improving the health of Hoosiers in other ways.

The group called the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana announced Thursday its primary focus heading into the new year will be reducing tobacco use as the leading cause of preventable death in Indiana. The alliance will work toward increasing the smoking age from 18 to 21 and repealing special treatment for smokers.

Other health issues the alliance will press include opioid abuse, obesity and infant mortality.

Community Health Network CEO Bryan Mills says improving the health of Hoosiers will require a focused plan of action and the support of state legislators, hospitals and the business community.