Oral

This dynamic group of public health professionals will present their experiences, challenges and real-life lessons learned in regard to implementing a range of policies designed to protect people from the deleterious effects of secondhand smoke. Speakers will share their experiences with: the lessons learned from working with elected officials to advance tobacco policies; the how-to’s of designing an effective media advocacy campaign to advance local and statewide policies; keeping local advocates and volunteers engaged and motivated to work on long-term policy outcomes; progress and obstacles in implementing second hand smoke policies in environments such as parks, housing authorities, chemical dependency treatment agencies, universities and others; presenters will also discuss the United States involvement with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and provide an analysis of the potential impact and opportunities for the United States to ratify the FCTC. As a result of attending this session attendees will benefit from hearing from leading experts on strategies that can be taken to advance local and statewide tobacco control policies.

Session Objectives: Identify how to formulate messaging aimed at elected officials in order to advance tobacco policies. Describe successful processes for tobacco-free policy implementation in public and private organizations. Identify ways to keep volunteers engaged in working on policy outcomes over time.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)