The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70354

Nell H. Gottlieb, PhD¹, Cody A. Brady, PhD¹, and Gail G. Sneden, MA². (1) Department of Kinesiology & Health Education, University of Texas, 1 University Station (D3700), Austin, TX 78712, 512-471-8185, ngottlieb@mail.utexas.edu, (2) Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Bellmont Hall 222, Austin, TX 78712

Texas public health professionals have tried to maximize limited public health resources by investing in development of community tobacco coalitions. The 8 regional tobacco specialists assigned to 250 counties assist by collecting and distributing information, energizing potential leaders, facilitating delivery of activities, and developing collaborations with local, state and national organizations. In some communities tobacco specialists initiate coalitions, while in others they have "been invited" in to assist with a burgeoning community effort. Some describe themselves as "facilitators" while others see themselves as "resources" or "coordinators." How do community coalition members perceive the roles played by these public health professionals? What strategies were used and what was accomplished? Representatives from 4 community tobacco coalitions and 6 regional tobacco specialists were contacted in spring 2003. The specialists described their experience developing community coalitions as part of a naturalistic interviewing method. Data were coded, themed and reviewed. While the steps in coalition development are well known the roles and strategies used by health departments in fostering community tobacco coalitions are not. How do tobacco specialists cover 30 counties when, "It's an eight hour drive to attend a meeting?" What have tobacco specialists done to "get things moving, help communities measure where they are, yet respond to what is going on in the community?." How do tobacco specialists size up a community, enlist support, understand the opposition, and determine how to help a community without lobbying? This presentation describes results from the front lines of community tobacco control.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to
• compare and contrast health department staff roles in developing and maintaining community tobacco control coalitions
• describe key strategies used by health department professionals at different stages in coalition development
• describe key outcomes of collaborative relationships between community coalitions and health departments

Keywords: Coalition, Tobacco Control

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.