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Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this presentation attendees will be able to:
- Describe at least five strategies for systems change to reduce tobacco use among low SES populations
- Apply lessons learned to improve the health of low SES in their own community.
Key Points: In West Virginia, 26.5% of the adult population (aged 18+ years)—over 378,000 individuals—are current cigarette smokers – the 4th highest prevalence in the Nation. Among youth aged 12–17 years, 12.6% smoke in West Virginia. The range across all states is 6.5% to 15.9%.
In 2003, the West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention moved from a county-level funding system to a Regional Tobacco Prevention Coordinator (RTPC) Network. Each region is guided by a regional coordinator who works within local communities to establish and maintain tobacco control coalitions that work to reduce the burden of tobacco use and ensure access to cessation services, while engaging non-traditional partners in policy and system change efforts.
The results have been the creation of over 30 tobacco control coalitions, 24 local Clean Indoor Air Regulation Policy upgrades, increased access to community-level cessation services, and cultural competent promising practices tobacco control strategies.
This proposed session will open with a brief overview of the structure and policy system before the implementation of the RTPC Network and then the current standing in 2012. Participants will break into small groups to discuss challenges and opportunities to reduce tobacco use among county level or regional coalitions in their states and communities.
Educational Experience: Cultural Competent Strategies, Staff training, & Technical assistance on systems change
Benefits: Understanding the need for local tobacco control coalitions guided by regional work plans supported by state and national partnerships; Developing strategic partnerships; & Developing culturally-appropriate interventions