Implementing a City-Level Tobacco Pricing Strategy through Community Health Coalition Advocacy

The Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH) Coalition developed an advocacy approach to provide information to prompt adoption of an evidence based best practice, tobacco pricing strategies, by local government officials in seven cities in southeastern Virginia over a period of three years. The coalition developed a methodology, which included a letter and packet of information, followed by phone calls with local government officials to provide information on the benefits of a tobacco pricing strategy.  In one city, the coalition, in collaboration with the health department and city health coalition, utilized an enhanced approach which included in-person meetings with city officials, such as mayors and city council members.  The pricing strategy was formally adopted within the city where an enhanced educational approach using in-person meetings was implemented.  Adoption by one city in the area prompted other cities to reconsider implementing similar measures. The local council of health department directors was also engaged to broaden the advocacy to include their sphere of influence and that of several other local health coalitions. Outcomes included development of an effective advocacy model, leveraging of local political influence, and adoption of the tobacco pricing strategy formally in one city, informally in another and under consideration in multiple cities for the next budget cycle.