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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

David E. Nelson, MD, PhD and Jenny Reynolds. Office of Smoking and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NW MS-K50, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770 488-2401, den2@cdc.gov

Research has consistently demonstrated that state tobacco control programs are effective, especially if sustained over a long time period. Despite their documented effectiveness, successes are threatened by funding cuts, as between fiscal year 2002 and 2004 alone, there was an overall decline of 28% in state spending on tobacco control programs. However, despite a challenging fiscal climate, several state tobacco control programs were able to retain existing funding levels, recover funds that cut in previous years, experience small funding reductions but prevent more draconian cuts, or achieve overall funding increases. We using a structured case study approach using a mix of qualitative and quantitative information sources, we describe the successful experiences involved in maintaining funding for state tobacco control programs in Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska, New York, and Virginia. Case studies were based on the state program sustainability framework, which posits that the sustainability depends on the state political and financial climate, program structure and administration, funding, community awareness and capacity, and surveillance and evaluation findings. Finally, we review the six lessons learned from these states about maintaining program funding: 1) Need for strong and experienced leadership; 2) Importance of broad and deep organizational and community ties; 3) Use of coordinated advocacy efforts; 4) Strategic use of surveillance and evaluation data; 5) Active dissemination of information about program successes; and 6) Value of policy maker champions.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the five components of the state program sustainability framework for tobacco control.
• Identify the major factors that contributed to maintaining program funding in five states.

Keywords: Smoking, Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation