Implementing tobacco free policy through market analysis of early adopters

Audience: Geared specifically for Missouri attendees, this session discusses findings from key informant interviews with community leaders and advocates from communities that have already passed tobacco control policies. Key Points: The session will cover the similarities, differences and opportunities derived from the interviews that can be used for swaying public opinion for tobacco control policy in other parts of the state, including the potential for a state-wide law. Possible media strategies will be outlined and ways to foster advocacy at the community level will also be covered. Educational Experience: The audience will learn key points through an interactive presentation that illustrates the steps taken by the Health Communication Research Center (HCRC) staff to build a strategic communication plan to push for a state-wide tobacco free law. The presenter will explain how the methods employed by the HCRC staff may be replicated and utilized by those in other states. Benefits: Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of current tobacco control barriers in Missouri, and how the early adopters of tobacco free policies made the case for successfully passing laws in their communities. Attendees will learn specific communication strategies on how to advocate for tobacco free policies in their own Missouri communities and how those strategies may be translated to their own states.