The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #38529

Trish Gibson, American Lung Association of California, PO Box 1760, Loomis, CA 95650 and Donna K Pearson-Beal, American Lung Association of Santa Barbara and Ventura Co, 1510 San Andres St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, (805) 963-1426, tgibson@midtown.net.

Developing relationships with key opinion leaders should be an integral part of any tobacco control strategy. When developing tobacco retailer licensing ordinances, self-service display bans, or when addressing any other tobacco control issue, it’s important to develop a broad base of support. One way to increase this support is to build partnerships with local key opinion leaders, such as elected officials, prominent business people, clergy, and the media.

When well-educated on the issues, local key opinion leaders are the best messengers to carry the tobacco prevention message to policy makers. Policy makers - such as your local city council members, Board of Supervisors, and local legislators - will listen to other opinion leaders because they represent accepted local values and they are not viewed as special interest advocates.

Tobacco control advocates can educate key opinion leaders and help them to become advocates for tobacco prevention. Local leaders who are unafraid to speak their minds and are well-connected in the community, make the best advocates.

Tobacco control proposals must receive active support from key opinion leaders outside the tobacco control movement to demonstrate broad public acceptance. Without broad, active support, proposals are rarely adopted. Proposed tobacco control policies that receive active support from these leaders demonstrate broad public acceptance, and are more likely to be successful.

Learning Objectives: This presentation will help tobacco control advocates