Cross-cutting chronic disease collaborations using tobacco prevention and control infrastructure

Background: Nationally there is an ongoing need to reduce morbidity and mortality due chronic diseases; most of which are exacerbated by or have tobacco use as a risk factor.  When chronic disease prevention/control efforts are siloed important leverage opportunities may be missed.  

Description: The Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control (DTPC) within the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Health is collaborating with chronic disease programs across the Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction to mobilize community intervention expertise and address cross-cutting health issues. DTPC is collaborating with the Cancer, Diabetes, and Injury Prevention Divisions through their existing regional contractor infrastructure to reach at risk communities and coordinate services. Currently, tobacco control infrastructure directly supports the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Plan (all eight regions), the National Diabetes Prevention Program (four regions), the Healthy Corner Store Initiative (six regions), the Matter of Balance initiative (four regions), and the Head Start Legacy pilot (one region).

Discussion: Interdepartmental collaboration can strengthen programming by diversifying program funding, integrating prevention efforts, and capitalizing on trusted/active partnerships. Regional contractors have access to community resources and established relationships at the local level, which are invaluable for integrating new and existing programs.  Competing time commitments and the potential for mismatched program objectives are potential barriers that must be addressed to support effective collaborations. 

Conclusion: Cross-cutting collaborations have strengthened tobacco and chronic disease programming in PA, supported priority health activities, and reduced collaboration barriers.  This approach has the potential to serve as a model for other state health departments.