Tawanda K. Hayes, MPH, Smokeless Homes Program, Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 260 S Broad ST, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 731-6106, tawanda@phmc.org

Exposure to cigarette smoke is a major contributor to pediatric emergency room visits for asthmatic children. Despite increasing evidence of its harmful effects, many parents and childcare givers continue to smoke. A recent survey found that over 40% of asthmatic children in North and West Philadelphia live in a household with a smoker. Using this information, the Health Promotion Council created a program to reduce children’s exposure to cigarette smoke in the home and car while promoting smoking cessation.

The goal of the Smokeless Homes program is to educate the target area on the adverse health effects resulting from children’s exposure to cigarette smoke. The program’s outcome objectives are to have participants maintain a smoke free home and car by taking a gradual three step approach eventually leading to smoking cessation. Interventions include presentations to children, parents, and childcare providers on the link between cigarette smoke and asthma along with the importance of maintaining a smoke free home and car. These messages are reinforced by take home materials as well as referrals to free smoking cessation classes.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the link between cigarette smoke exposure and its adverse health effects on children.
• Describe the actions families can take to reduce cigarette smoke exposure in the home and car.
• Recognize an example of translating data into action.

Keywords: Asthma, Tobacco

Related Web page: www.hpcpa.org/smokeless.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania
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.