Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111698

Shaunta S. Parker, BS, Valerie A. Hepburn, MPA, and Lynette J. Brown, MBA. Institute of Public Health, Georgia State University, P. O. Box 3995, Atlanta, GA 30302-3995, 404-651-4133, sparker1@student.gsu.edu

Evidence has shown a variety of policy-related efforts to be effective in reducing tobacco use, including: increasing the price of tobacco products, enacting clean indoor air policies, and providing access to smoking cessation programs. However, efforts to establish these sorts of public health initiatives have been especially challenging in tobacco producing states. These states have traditionally experienced less policy maker support for tobacco control efforts, in part, because of the significant influence of tobacco growers. Yet, dramatic political and economic changes impacting tobacco production provide a unique opportunity to address these challenges in Georgia.

The Georgia Tobacco Policy Project (G-TOPP) was formed in 2004 to conduct policy research on state and local tobacco use prevention and control strategies that will be effective in this traditional, tobacco-producing state. G-TOPP serves as a distinct voice bringing together experts, advocates, community representatives, and tobacco producers to focus on combining research and best practices with respectful, solution-driven policy development among and between tobacco control stakeholders of distinct backgrounds and perspectives. G-TOPP has developed innovative approaches to integrate the interests of these seemingly disparate groups, recognizing the economic needs of Georgia's tobacco-producing community while promoting tobacco control measures. Farmers are being assisted in the areas of economic development, buyout management, workforce investment, and rural cooperatives. As a result of these collaborations, G-TOPP has already made substantial strides towards addressing policy-related efforts proven to reduce tobacco use, including: tobacco taxation, environmental tobacco smoke and smoking cessation.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the unique tobacco control challenges faced in a “Big Tobacco” state
• Identify themes of common interest between tobacco producers and public health
• Discuss innovative ways to implement tobacco control policies in tobacco-producing states, while maintaining the interest of tobacco-growing communities

Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Community Collaboration

Related Web page: publichealth.gsu.edu/gtopp

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF research support by the Healthcare Georgia Foundation and American Legacy Foundation..