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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kenneth E. Warner, PhD, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-763-5454, kwarner@umich.edu

The cigarette companies claim that they have "changed," that they recognize the error of their ways in the past and that now they want to be viewed as responsible companies. On several occasions in recent years, cigarette company executives have informally queried public health professionals as to what the industry needs to do to earn the trust of the public health community so that the two historical opponents can work together to diminish the toll of smoking. The industry offers dialogues and sponsorship of research on such issues as tobacco harm reduction. The public health community remains deeply skeptical of the industry's motives, and many leaders have refused to endorse industry research funding programs and even to engage in the requested dialogues. Following up on an editorial in the American Journal of Public Health from 2002, this paper describes measures that the industry could and should take if it wants to convince the public health community that it is seriously committed to reversing its errant ways and genuinely desirous of working toward maximum reduction of the harm caused by its products.

Learning Objectives:

• See session abstract

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation