Using Tobacco Control Lessons to Prevent Obesity

Public health advocates in Maine have worked together for tobacco control legislation since the mid-eighties, with much success. Maine currently spends the most money per capita on tobacco control education, counter marketing, and free cessation programs. It is a battle we face, and win, in every budget cycle. The state run tobacco program, named the Healthy Maine Partnership, also includes physical activity and nutrition education, policy, and community work. Because of this, the statewide tobacco coalition decided to expand its work to include obesity prevention, and to use the combined issue and advocacy expertise to put forward sound policy.

The Coalition is working at both the state and local levels, and with large organizations (including voluntary health organization staff and volunteers) and small, community based organizations. We are educating laypeople and lawmakers about access to safe areas for activity, as well as access to healthy foods, including farmer's markets. At the same time, we are introducing bills to our legislature, to create broad-based policy change in schools, chain restaurants, and public spaces.

Coalition members created a 10-year plan, which has already begun. We have early success, and promise for more future success. This workshop will concentrate on developing coalitions, policy with promise, and media messages. There will also be opportunity to discuss specific legislation.