 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Diana Bontá, RN, DrPH, California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street, Room 1650, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 657-1425, Lpennin1@dhs.ca.gov
The massive overseas profits of U.S.-based tobacco companies greatly strengthens the sway that these companies have over public policy in the United States. Successes abroad embolden these companies to challenge tobacco control laws and programs here at home. In addition, the global is local – for example, nearly 1 in 4 Californians are born abroad. Therefore the activities of these companies overseas is of direct concern to Americans since immigrants addicted to tobacco in their home countries represent an additional burden on U.S. healthcare facilities. From a programmatic perspective, global tobacco issues are a useful way to mobilize and excite young people, particulalry college age youth who also happen to be a prime target for the companies. Learning about what the tobacco industry is engaged in overseas, provides a very real and graphic example of how the companies have not changed, which is a key message in states’ efforts to de-normalize tobacco use.
Learning Objectives:
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.