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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Lynette J. Brown, MBA, Michael Eriksen, ScD, and Valerie Hepburn, MPA. Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, Georgia Tobacco Policy Project, P.O. Box 3995, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, 404-463-0215, alhljb@langate.gsu.edu

Tobacco producing states are uniquely challenged to implement tobacco control measures. Economic factors and resulting political pressures have hindered many tobacco-related public health initiatives, while often policy-makers offer less support, in part, due to the influence of tobacco growers. Yet, “a perfect storm” of political and economic changes impacting tobacco production have offered a unique opportunity to address these challenges in Georgia.

Since its inception in 2004, the Georgia Tobacco Policy Project (G-TOPP) has served as a distinct voice - bringing together experts, advocates, community representatives, and tobacco producers to develop innovative approaches to integrate the interests of these seemingly disparate groups - recognizing the economic needs of Georgia's tobacco-producing community while promoting tobacco control measures. With a focus on combining research and best practices with respectful, solution-driven policy development among and between tobacco control stakeholders of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, G-TOPP has served as a conduit for change in a “Big Tobacco” state.

Based upon information garnered during the Tobacco-Health Dialogues, as well as findings from the 2005 Georgia Tobacco Growers Survey, G-TOPP was able to identify key areas for support of Georgia's tobacco growing communities (e.g. economic development, buyout management, workforce investment, and rural cooperatives), while making strides towards addressing policy-related efforts proven to reduce tobacco use (e.g. tobacco taxation, clean indoor air legislation, and smoking cessation programs). Through broad collaborations, G-TOPP has identified special problems within a unique, tobacco-dependent population and provides a legacy of change.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to

• Describe the political and economic factors which have traditionally impacted tobacco control in a “Big Tobacco” state and how these challenges are being addressed in Georgia.
• Discuss the use of qualitative and quantitative data to understand the needs of tobacco producers as they react to this changing environment and Georgia’s response to these needs.
• Discern innovative ways to implement tobacco control policies in tobacco-producing states, while maintaining the interest of tobacco-growing communities.

Keywords: Special Populations, Collaboration

Related Web page: publichealth.gsu.edu/gtopp

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No