Survivors And Victims of Tobacco Empowerment (SAVE): Successfully integrating survivors of tobacco-related diseases and advocacy for tobacco control

Ten years ago, tobacco control advocates in North Carolina envisioned a model program for survivors and victims of tobacco-related diseases to become statewide advocates for tobacco use prevention. Similar to the successful advocacy efforts of victims of breast cancer or drunk driving (e.g., MADD), it was felt that the experiences of survivors of tobacco use could also significantly impact policy development. The Survivors and Victims of Tobacco Empowerment Program (SAVE) originated from this vision. While many tobacco control programs have attempted to involve survivors in their advocacy efforts, SAVE is the only program that has operated for the last ten years with the sole purpose of bringing the voices of tobacco survivors to prevention educational and policy forums. Through funding received from various foundations, private individuals, national and state agencies, SAVE employs paid staff that are dedicated to supporting the work of survivors. In ten years, SAVE has developed a statewide database of approximately 50 survivors of tobacco-related diseases including persons with emphysema, lung cancer, and laryngectomies. The program has reached thousands of NC youth and adults with prevention and empowerment messages. SAVE has also successfully contributed to statewide media campaigns and 100% tobacco-free school policy adoption. This presentation will highlight a recently published article in Tobacco Control describing SAVE's program administration, activities, accomplishments and challenges. Our goal is to assist advocates and funding organizations in other states or countries who may want to consider implementing similar survivor programs to augment their advocacy efforts.