The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) between states and the tobacco industry resulted in funding for state and local tobacco control and prevention programs, but each state’s independence to administer funds created a varied environment for these programs. Budget deficits and raiding of MSA funds further shifted the landscape, revealing the need for an independent body to provide technical assistance (TA) to established and emerging tobacco control programs. Three major nonprofit organizations pooled resources to create an innovative national consortium to provide this TA.

This presentation will discuss implications of a shifting tobacco control and prevention climate, challenges and successes of the model of TA provision using a small core staff and extended network of expert consultants, and the creation of a new model to address the need for capacity building in health education at the state and local level regarding tobacco.

The intake system for receiving requests was designed to be consistent with the philosophy of TA described by Pittman – program guidance and support are tailored to the identified needs of requesting organizations. The goal of this TA is to build skills and in tobacco prevention and control. Requests for assistance are reviewed and matched to consultant(s) with the most appropriate skills and experience to meet the identified needs, considering the nature of the assignment, the geographic region, and cultural appropriateness and inclusivity. 

Examples of assistance and collaborative work with partners, as well as a series of free electronic resources to create stronger tobacco control programs, will be explained.