Tobacco-Free Parks: A Decade Of Progress

Tobacco-Free Parks: A Decade of Success Presenter: Derek K. Larsen NCTOH 2012 Abstract Submission * Audience: All tobacco control professionals working on policy can benefit from this topic. * Key Points: 1) Comprehensive tobacco-free park policies are the most effective way to protect community members from the dangers of tobacco in park settings and are easier to enforce than non-comprehensive policies. 2) Tobacco control professionals can and should work with their local city officials to encourage the adoption of these policies. 3) Youth advocates and community coalitions can be called upon to aid in the process of educating city officials. How Key Points Were Established: Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation has worked on over 150 policies in 10 years and has experience to back up these key points. * Educational Experience: Key points will be learned through Minnesota case studies and lecture-style training. The presenter will also discuss how audience members can apply the lessons learned in Minnesota to their community. * Benefits: Professionals who are new to policy work will find benefit in learning about the different types of policies that city staff can adopt. Professionals new to policy will also learn the benefits of adopting policies rather than simply educating communities on the harms of tobacco. Professionals who are experienced in policy work will also find benefit in the session since there will be discussions of case studies and unique lessons that Tobacco-Free Youth Recreation has encountered.