Using an ordinance tracking database to identify and reach out to high-risk communities with smokefree services


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

5025.0: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 9:24 AM

Abstract #112458

Cynthia Hallett, MPH, Executive Director, American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation, 2530 San Pablo Avenue, J, Berkeley, CA 94702, 510-841-3045, cynthia.hallett@no-smoke.org

The number of local and state smokefree laws are growing rapidly, and more than 35% of the US population is protected from secondhand smoke in the workplace, restaurants, and/or bars. Smokefree laws not only remove a known carcinogen from the air, but they reduce the onset of youth smoking and increase adult cessation. Recent studies demonstrate the immediate health benefit of smokefree laws on acute myocardial infarction rates, adding further evidence to the benefits of smokefree laws on community health status.

Although this figure is impressive, the vast majority of the population is not covered by a smokefree law. In particular, many low income, ethnically diverse communities are left unprotected. This presentation will document current coverage of smokefree laws at the local and state level, and analyze characteristics of communities that are left unprotected. Participants will discuss evidence-based strategies to educate and mobilize communities to pass smokefree laws thereby improving the health status of the community.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, participants will be able to

1. Identify gaps in smokefree protections by demographic indicators.
2. Evaluate smoke-filled communities with poor health indicators to identify jurisdictions for smokefree education and policy development.
3. Discuss evidence-based strategies to educate and mobilize communities to pass smokefree laws.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Underserved Populations

Related Web page: www.no-smoke.org

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 commercial supporters.

Emerging Issues in Tobacco Control

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA