Role of Research in Media and Policy Advocacy

An evidence-based approach is critical to ensuring that scarce public health resources are used on policies and programs that work to reduce tobacco use. Research investments by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and others (e.g., the National Cancer Institute, NCI; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC) have produced a solid evidence base resulting in a well-defined policy agenda. While an evidence base is crucial, the research-based approach to tobacco control had to be translated to program and policy action. Beginning with the NCI's and American Cancer Society's ASSIST program and continuing through the RWJF-funded Smokeless States program, funding was provided for state and local coalition building for media and policy advocacy on tobacco issues. To provide a national voice on these issues and to serve as a resource for state and local tobacco control coalitions, RWJF created the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in 1996. A key part of the Campaign's strategy is to use research not only to help determine the agenda but also as part of media and policy advocacy. Working with RWJF-funded and other researchers, the Campaign helps inject research on tobacco issues into the policy change arena. These efforts have contributed to numerous state and local policies including the passage of more than 80 state tobacco tax increases since January of 2002. Research is critical for establishing an evidence-based agenda for tobacco control but also plays an integral role in getting that agenda in place.