Transcending Policy: Reducing the Burden of Tobacco

ABSTRACT: Audience: Individuals that will benefit from the information presented in this session include those working in surveillance and evaluation research (universities, health departments), and policy development and community organization/service (coalitions, state and local health departments, governmental agencies). Advocates of tobacco prevention and control efforts desiring to reduce the burden of tobacco and health professionals interested in promoting abstinence and cessation will also find this session useful. Key Points: This session will reveal how the establishment of a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law can be associated with decreases in the prevalence of acute health conditions in the general public, even after taking a number of other important related factors into account. This evidence is supported by the analysis of data from a statewide culmination of hospital databases. Educational Experience: The audience will learn these key points and how to apply them via a PowerPoint presentation and open discussion. Benefits: The audience will benefit from this session by learning how the establishment of a statewide smoke-free law can reduce the health and financial burden associated with tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure among the general population. Further, attendees will gain insight into how to go about analyzing similar types of data in their own communities and/or states. This is powerful information that can be used by health professionals, tobacco prevention and control professionals and advocates, and policy makers in the fight against tobacco---at the individual, community and state levels.