Communities
Tobacco control and advocacy can be effective when community members and clinicians work in collaboration. To achieve policy, system, and environmental changes to improve chronic disease, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) links public health advocates with state AAP chapters and local and national pediatric leaders. The AAP Richmond Center offers a variety of technical assistance and tobacco control resources to help communities achieve their policy and advocacy goals. All of these resources are available through the AAP Richmond Center. The AAP Richmond Center Community Toolbox includes:
- Tobacco Prevention Policy Tool
- Tobacco Control Issue Briefs
- Solving the Puzzle Resource Guide
- State Tobacco Information Packets (email the AAP Richmond Center)
Partnerships
In 2010, the US Department of Health and Human Services funded the AAP under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative. The CPPW initiative implements evidence- and practice-based strategies based on the MAPPS (M=Media, A=Access, P=Point of decision, P=Price, S=Social support/services) strategies to decrease smoking prevalence, teen initiation of tobacco use, and exposure to secondhand smoke.
The AAP specifically supported 12 “matched” CPPW communities in 11 states across the US to achieve their tobacco control policy goals. In addition, the AAP supported communities broadly to help them meet goals and enhance their ability to address tobacco prevention and control policy and advocacy initiatives in their area.
Learn more about the Academy's community work below.
California (County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health)
The Tobacco Control and Prevention Program implemented Project TRUST, which aimed to further reduce smoking prevalence and decrease exposure to secondhand smoke, especially in disadvantaged communities.
The Academy served as the primary technical assistance organization for Los Angeles County Project TRUST's Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing Forum and Press Event. AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, FAAP, presented information on research findings from the Academy's study on smoke-free multi-unit housing and secondhand smoke exposure to children and discussed how the research findings can translate into advocacy and policy options. The visit generated media coverage including a featured article in the Los Angeles Daily News.
For updated policy and advocacy information for LA County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our California state page.
California (Santa Clara County Public Health Department)
Santa Clara County's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program used media and other educational strategies to counter pro-tobacco influences, support the establishment of local tobacco retail licensing requirements, limit tobacco advertising near schools, support evidence-based pricing strategies to deter tobacco use, and build greater capacity for smoking cessation services. The Academy provided Santa Clara Public Health Department with multiple resources targeting low literacy and Spanish- and Vietnamese-speaking audiences on the topics of smoking cessation and secondhand smoke exposure.
In February, AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Judith Groner, MD, FAAP, presented two sessions in Santa Clara focusing on tobacco 101 and best practices for healthcare professionals. The training addressed issues such as thirdhand smoke, emerging tobacco products, Ask, Advise, and Refer, and effectively using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Check out Santa Clara’s resources for healthcare providers for additional information.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Santa Clara County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
Florida (Orange County Health Department)
Orange County implemented tobacco prevention and control policy changes that sought to expand smoke-free environments to all Orange County and municipal parks, reduce youth access to tobacco, and implement the Ask, Advise, Refer strategy as part of tobacco use assessments by healthcare providers.
The AAP hosted two policy round tables at an Orange County Health Department Coalition Meeting. The discussions, led by AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Thomas Peterson, MD, FAAP, covered the benefits of smoke-free workplaces, employee wellness, and the implementation of Ask, Advise, Refer as a cessation strategy. A post-meeting evaluation revealed that the policy round table discussions helped accelerate Orange County's efforts to develop smoke/tobacco-free worksites.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Orange County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Florida state page.
Illinois (Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago)
Chicago's Tobacco Prevention Project sought to implement city-wide policy strategies designed to decrease tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, with concentrated efforts aimed at high-burden population groups.
In November, the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago hosted AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Karen Wilson, MD, MPH, FAAP, at an event to discuss the negative health impact of smoking in multi-unit housing. The event also featured Warren Ortland, JD, from the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium, who discussed the economic benefits of smoke-free housing for property managers and owners.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Chicago, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Illinois state page.
Iowa (Iowa Department of Public Health)
Linn County
Linn County Department of Public Health and its community partners worked to educate policy makers about evidence-based pricing and access options, increase the number of businesses with 100% tobacco-free policies, and provide cessation services and counseling to pregnant women and mothers.
During the CPPW initiative, the AAP linked Linn County staff with the Iowa AAP chapter for technical assistance on pending legislative issues in the area.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Linn County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
Ringgold County
Ringgold County coalition members used evidence-based strategies to promote cessation services, reduce smoking in homes and vehicles, and eliminate free tobacco samples being distributed at local events.
In October 2011, AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Dottie Schell, RN, led a tobacco cessation training for medical providers at Ringgold County Hospital.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Ringgold County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Iowa state page.
Massachusetts (Boston Public Health Commission)
The Boston Public Health Commission's (BPHC) tobacco prevention effort engaged youth and community members in policy efforts to reduce youth tobacco use and exposure, including reducing exposure of youth and communities of color to tobacco industry marketing.
AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, FAAP, was linked to the BPHC to serve as a community technical assistance consultant. Dr. Winickoff offered expertise and support for training eight pediatric practices to deliver tobacco control interventions for family members through the electronic medical records system, which has been changed to allow for non-automated fax referral to the state quitline.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Boston, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Massachusetts state page.
Missouri (St. Louis County)
The St. Louis County Department of Health used a variety of interventions to decrease secondhand smoke exposure, increase smoking cessation, and reduce smoking initiation. Strategies included mounting an educational campaign to promote comprehensive tobacco control, implementing voluntary retailer advertising policies, increasing use of the quitline, increasing employer-sponsored cessation coverage, and implementing a system of tobacco use screening and counseling.
Through its partnerships with the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and American Academy of Family Physicians, the AAP identified a medical expert to provide testimony against smoking in the residential rooms of nursing facilities.
For updated policy and advocacy information for St. Louis County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Missouri state page.
Oklahoma (Cherokee Nation Health Service Group)
The Cherokee Nation addressed the burden of tobacco use by implementing tobacco-free policies in various sectors of the community; developing product placement guidelines for Cherokee Nation businesses and a voluntary product placement program for other merchants not operated by the Cherokee Nation; supporting the elimination of free samples of tobacco and price discounts at Cherokee Nation businesses and events; and increasing access to cessation services for students and for patients of Cherokee Nation Health Services and area Indian Health Services.
The Academy linked Cherokee Nation Health Services Group to the local AAP chapter and provided the community with AAP tobacco and advocacy resources in support of its policy goals.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Cherokee Nation, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Oklahoma state page.
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia Department of Public Health)
Philadelphia's tobacco initiative utilizes public education campaigns and policies to promote an anti-smoking, pro-cessation climate.
The Academy identified a local pediatric champion and member of the Pennsylvania AAP Chapter to testify on the negative health impacts of youth smoking initiation at a hearing to raise fines against retailers who illegally sell tobacco to youth.
In March, AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, FAAP, presented a roundtable to Philadelphia-area physicians addressing the role of pediatricians in tobacco cessation. Dr. Winickoff also covered risk management related to cessation therapy including issues arising from prescribing NRTs to parents of patients.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Philadelphia, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Pennsylvania state page.
Rhode Island (Rhode Island Department of Health)
The Providence Putting Prevention to Work Tobacco-Free Campaign is a state-coordinated, small-city partnership led by the Rhode Island Department of Health and the City of Providence. The city council seeks to implement a policy which restricts price promotions and discounts on tobacco products.
The AAP identified a local pediatric champion for the Rhode Island Department of Public Health in support of its tobacco control objectives and connected the community with the Rhode Island AAP Chapter. The community invited the chapter to attend the Rhode Island Department of Health coalition meeting to learn more about the group’s tobacco control objectives.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Providence, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Rhode Island state page.
South Carolina (South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control)
Florence County
The Florence County Community Coalition for Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Community is implementing a campaign to educate the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure; support 100% smoke-free and tobacco-free policies; reduce tobacco advertising in retail markets; promote adoption of the Clinical Practice Guideline among health care providers; and expand referrals of tobacco users to South Carolina's tobacco quitline.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Florence County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
Horry County
The BREATHE Coalition in Horry County is addressing the health burden of tobacco by implementing educational campaigns supporting 100% smoke-free and tobacco-free policies; reducing tobacco advertising in retail markets; promoting the adoption of the Clinical Practice Guideline among health care providers; and expanding referrals to the South Carolina tobacco quitline.
The South Carolina Tobacco Collaborative hosted a Continuing Medical Education event for physicians in November 2011. The event focused on tobacco education topics (ie, quitline awareness, the Ask, Advise, Refer strategy, and advocating for public policy by physicians). AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Thomas Peterson, MD, FAAP was the key presenter.
For updated policy and advocacy information for Horry County, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our South Carolina state page.
Washington (Seattle and King County Department of Public Health)
Seattle and King County Department of Public Health focused its tobacco control efforts in seven sectors: media, schools, community organizations, worksites, housing, local government, and community health clinics. Specific strategies included instituting 100% smoke-free housing, parks, schools, and college campuses and further restricting advertising of tobacco products.
The Academy linked Seattle and King County Department of Public Health to the Washington AAP Chapter and provided the community with AAP tobacco and advocacy resources in support of its policy goals. Additionally, it connected AAP Richmond Center Faculty Expert Jonathan Winickoff, MD, MPH, FAAP, with the CPPW staff to provide technical assistance on thirdhand smoke exposure in daycare settings.For updated policy and advocacy information for Seattle, download the 2012 Tobacco Control Issue Briefs developed by the AAP Division of State Government Affairs.
- Tobacco Cessation and Treatment Programs
- Tobacco Control Funding
- Tobacco-free Environments
- Tobacco Product Control
For more state-specific information, visit our Washington state page.
