Recorded presentation

Cheryl A. Ferguson, MPH, Policy Matters, 1177 Laurel Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, 505-856-1403, Cheryl@nmpolicymatters.com, Cynthia Serna, New Mexicans Concerned About Tobacco, 5800 Lomas Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, Lisa McNichol, MS, Tobacco Use Prevention & Control Program, New Mexico Department of Health, 625 Silver SW, Suite 202, Albuquerque, NM 87102, Francesca Garcia, BA, McKee Wallwork Henderson, 2001 Mountain Road NW, Suite F-2, Albuquerque, NM 87104, and Leo Bottos, MA, Environmental Health Department, City of Albuquerque, P.O. Box 1293, Albuquerque, NM 87103.

Problem: In March 2003, Albuquerque, New Mexico passed a strong clean indoor air ordinance which took effect on July 3, 2003. Despite the fact that it took six months to pass the ordinance, little planning had been done for the implementation phase. Advocates who had worked for passage of the law, along with the state health department, convened a group from the local health department along with an ad agency proficient in tobacco use prevention issues to develop a plan to educate both the public and business owners. Methods: Using social marketing strategies, the group assessed what business owners, employees, and enforcement agencies would want to see in the policy enforcement materials. In addition to these materials, plans were developed to launch an advertising campaign to explain the ordinance. Results: Educational materials were developed that conveyed the intent of the law as well as its specifics. These materials had a whimsical and retro feel that communicated information about the ordinance without being too heavy-handed. The collaboration that came from developing these materials, as well as the information dissemination plan has made education and enforcement efforts much more efficient and cost-effective. Conclusion: Collaboration among advocates working on passage of an ordinance and the public sector agencies that will be enforcing such a law needs to occur early in the process. Many advocates focus solely on passing a law and ignore the follow-up. Advance planning involving all parties is crucial to ensuring smooth implementation of this important public health policy.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to
• 1)Describe four types of materials used in clean indoor air implementation.
• 2)Discuss the benefits of collaboration between advocates and enforcement agencies for clean indoor air implementation efforts.

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am a media consultant to New Mexicans Concerned About Tobacco.

Recorded presentation