Oral

Tobacco waste in the form of cigarette butts can be found in environments such as storm drains, waterways, beaches, rivers, streets, and both rural and urban neighborhoods. Building strong community-based coalitions is vital to an advocacy campaign. In 2010, the New York City (NYC) Coalition for a Smoke-Free City partnered with community-based organizations, the NYC Health Department, and environmental and health advocacy groups to build support for a policy to prohibit smoking in all parks and beaches in NYC. Public places and workplaces have been smoke-free in Washington since 2005. To further mitigate exposure to secondhand smoke, create environments where quitting is easier and to strengthen social norms of not smoking, Public Health- Seattle & King County worked with partners to use CPPW funds to create new smoke-free and tobacco-free policies. To protect residents in Santa Clara County (SCC) from secondhand smoke exposure, we involved community leaders and youth champions to promote adoption of smoke-free policies for outdoor parks.

Session Objectives: Describe the environmental impact of tobacco product waste. Explain coalition building to impact adoption of tobacco control policy.

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