Tobacco use, a leading cause of cancer and other chronic disease, creates an immense burden on society. The elimination of environmental tobacco smoke through state-based efforts is a critical component in reducing the influence of tobacco use on morbidity and mortality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health funds 50 States, the District of Columbia and 7 territories to implement the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), a comprehensive tobacco prevention and control program. The CDC collects information about these funded program activities through the Chronicle, a web-based reporting system developed by the CDC. The NTCP Chronicle captures state-specific data on tobacco control program activities related to eliminating exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, promoting quitting among adults and youth, preventing initiation among youth and identifying and eliminating disparities among population groups. In addition, the system collects data relevant to infrastructure, capacity and collaboration. Information collected on the specific strategies used by states to address the elimination of environmental tobacco smoke include interventions related to: promoting smoke-free environments in homes, work and public places; decreasing pro-tobacco use influences; and promoting public awareness of the hazards of ETS. Activities reported are those specific to the strategic use of media, community-based interventions and actions influencing state and local level policy regulation. The systematic collection, review and analysis of state data informing tobacco control program activities offers an opportunity to share best practices and lessons learned and allows the CDC to better address state technical assistance and information needs. See www.cdc.gov/tobacco
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: Describe specific ETS-related state and/or local activities that incorporate best practice components. Discuss the range of activities necessary to impact ETS policies. Identify possible barriers to implementing strong ETS policy and the resources and/or mechanisms needed to overcome barriers.
Keywords: Tobacco Control, Reporting
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.