Maine ranks first in the nation in funding programs to keep youths from smoking, according to a report released Wednesday by a coalition of health organizations.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said Maine improved its rating from No. 3 a year ago.

“Maine’s leaders have set an example for the country in recognizing that tobacco prevention is one of the smartest and fiscally responsible investments states can make even in difficult budget times,” said William Corr, executive vice president for the campaign.

Maine’s spending for tobacco prevention during the current fiscal year is more than $15 million, compared to $14 million in 2002, according to the coalition.

Maine’s No. 1 ranking is based on a formula developed by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The ranking factors in each state’s “unique costs of reaching its own population with all the different elements of a comprehensive tobacco-prevention program,” said Eric Lindblom, policy manager for the coalition.

Maine is one of four states, along with Minnesota, Mississippi and Maryland, that funds tobacco programs at or above the CDC’s recommended ranges, the report said.