Research to Advocacy: Lessons on Advancing Smoke-free Legislation in Louisiana

Audience: The audience includes tobacco researchers, policymakers, program managers, and advocates. It is specifically geared toward those using data to drive policy change. Key Points: Time data collection activities so that decision makers receive research results months before any required vote. Continue building and strengthening previous studies to have new information to use in campaigns. Localize studies to tailor regional social marketing campaigns to increase support for local ordinances. Educational Experience: Protocols and implementation plans of air monitoring will be presented. Results from air monitoring will be presented – in a form that is accessible to policymakers and their administrative staffs. Plans for data dissemination – press conferences, advocacy lunches, individual meetings – will be outlined and reviewed. Benefits: Attendees will understand how to plan and implement air monitoring studies using program staff and local volunteers. Attendees will learn how to analyze and present results of data collection. Attendees will learn way to disseminate information to advocate for smoke-free policies.