Nine-City Tobacco-Free Mobilization: An Innovative Tobacco Control Model of Healthy Malden, Inc.
Established in 1993 as a partnership between the Malden Mayor's Office and Hallmark Health Systems, Healthy Malden, Inc. is the umbrella organization for 9 community-based task forces that address health and social issues as identified by the community. With funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program--one of the most successful tobacco control programs in the country, Healthy Malden's North Suburban Tobacco-Free Network is changing the social norms and individual attitudes and behavior regarding tobacco use. This Network has broad-based support for tobacco control with the goal to improve the health status of nine cities in the north suburban area of Massachusetts. The work occurs through the use of media advocacy, community education, mobilization for policy change, youth initiatives, and collaboration with local Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program services. The Network is achieving successful tobacco-free advocacy through an innovative, multi-faceted approach including partnering with various community stakeholders. A rigorous evaluation plan has been developed for all components.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants in this session will be able to 1). Prioritize tobacco related problems/ barriers in communities 2). Identify stakeholders and partnership opportunities 3). Develop and prioritize key outcomes to achieve a successful tobacco control program 4). Develop a comprehensive tobacco-free advocacy strategy 5). Create special programs to involve young people in the community in order to effect change in young peoples' attitudes and behaviors toward tobacco use
Keywords: Tobacco Control, Advocacy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.