The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68899

Karen Bruner Stroup, PhD and Hannah Thomason, BA. Clarian Health Partners, Clarian Tobacco Control Center, P.O. Box 1367, Indianapolis, IN 46206

The Indiana Smoking Cessation Program Network began in July 2001 and has continued to meet quarterly in Indianapolis in an effort to serve as a neutral forum for nicotine dependence program professionals serving an 8 county area in Central Indiana. The Network will continue to meet quarterly in 2003 with plans to include, whenever possible, nicotine dependence program professionals from northern and southern Indiana who will be linked into the meeting programs by telephone or distance broadcast. Network meetings provide an opportunity for professionals to share issues and concerns relevant to nicotine dependence program operation and promotion, to learn new information on topics of interest to the network, and to identify action steps relating to influencing public policy relevant to smoking cessation and environmental tobacco smoke.

Education program topics at network meetings have included: 1)an overview of the TAP/TEG programs to help teens choose to quit smoking and to stop smoking tobacco to encourage cessation professionals to consider supporting development of these programs at school settings in their community; 2)discussion of behavioral and pharmacological intervention strategies for smoking cessation; and 3)current state guidelines for reimbursement for smoking cessation services. The network is facilitated by various partners who have shared goals in promoting networking between smoking cessation professionals. Current projects through the network include the regular updating of a statewide listing of smoking cessation programs in every Indiana county.

Learning Objectives:

• Operationalize organizational steps for setting up a network of smoking cessation program professionals on a regional or statewide basis.
• List education program topics for presentation at network meetings.
• Identify courses of action that network members can undertake to influence public policy relating to smoking cessation and environmental tobacco smoke.
• Link the network with other related initiatives such as an updated directory of smoking cessation programs and standardized adherence to best practices for nicotine dependence programs.

Keywords: Tobacco, Tobacco Control

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
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