The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45145

Deborah R. Carpenter¹, Robert W. Catlin, BS¹, Linda McClellan, MS², and Michelle Marrs, MS³. (1) Nashville REACH 2010 Project, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208, (615) 327-9400 x. 481, consuela.greene@mwchc.org, (2) Project REACH 2010, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Care Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208, (3) Executive Director, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Care Center, 1501 Herman Street, Nashville, TN 37208

The Nashville REACH 2010 project, Tobacco Team has identified the need for smoking cessation programs and sites in the North Nashville community. Nashville REACH 2010’s goal is to reduce, and in time, eliminate diabetes and cardiovascular disease among African Americans in North Nashville. One method chosen by the Tobacco team to reduce these disparities is the establishment of smoking cessation programs. Previous studies have shown that smoking is one of the most modifiable risks for heart disease. It contributes to the reduction of blood flow that can lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or stroke. Due to tobacco’s nicotine addictive quality, it is one of the most difficult risk behaviors for individuals to overcome. In light of these findings, an assessment of the community was conducted revealing that residents living in the North Nashville community had no convenient locations for smoking cessation programs. These classes will empower the community with the ability to acquire knowledge of tobacco and the devastation of its use. The tobacco team addressed this need by identifying locations within the community such as churches, community centers, and local businesses, which would serve as smoking cessation class sites. Community stakeholders would be trained as facilitators to conduct cessation classes. Outreach programs such as the Nashville REACH 2010 project serve as catalyst for change in a community suffering the devastating effect of cardiovascular disease. This will lead to a decline of tobacco use and the reduction and elimination of risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease and complications of diabetes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Articulate knowledge gained of tobacco facts and the devastation of its use as it relates to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Apply acquired knowledge as agents for change in their community.

Keywords: Community Education, Tobacco

Related Web page: 129.59.231.121/Reach/index.htm

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.