The Voice Box
Voice from Tobacco Prevention and Control in N.C. |
|
Volume 2, Issue 3 |
|
Inside this Issue |
|
Health & Wellness
Trust Fund Training & Information Exchange |
| 100 Percent
Tobacco Free Schools Update |
| Coming
Next Year: 2006 Statewide Youth Leadership
Institute |
| The Tobacco Prevention & Control Branch is Moving! |
| Cartoon |
|
N.C.
Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health
N.C. Department of
Health and Human Services
|
In 1901 in Salem, N.C., a nine year old boy named Douglas L. Rights started a small newspaper he eventually called The Eaglet. For a year, this enterprising young man sold his monthly newspaper, filled with jokes, poems, local news and musings.
In February 1902, this is printed under the heading "Editorial:"
"There is a law against selling boys cigarettes. As we notice lots of boys puffing away, somebody must be breaking the law."
-From Salem, 1901-1902: Glimpses from the Boyhood Pen of Douglas L. Rights by Graham H. Rights
Got Fish? 
Twelve
county health departments in Western North Carolina do. FISH (Families
in Smoke Free Homes) is a prenatal smoking cessation program utilizing
the 5As best practice counseling method operating in Avery, Ashe,
Alleghany, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Madison, McDowell,
Transylvania and Watauga counties. Currently funded by the March of
Dimes, the program is in its sixth year of operation.
The goal of the program is to decrease the high rates of prenatal smoking in twelve targeted counties in Western North Carolina by using the 5As counseling method. Patients who agree to participate in the program by cutting back or quitting smoking can receive incentive items such as quit bags, T-shirts, baby monitors, disposable cameras and gift cards for Wal-Mart. In addition, local health department staff are encouraged to participate in the program and several have quit smoking as a result.
A unique feature of the program is its organizational structure and partnerships. The Appalachian District Health Department is the grant contractor and subcontract with the twelve local health departments. State consultants from the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch and the Women's and Children's Health Section help with program planning, grant writing and project oversight. Additional project partners include the American Cancer Society, the regional POET and NOET and SAGE Partners, Inc. (the project evaluator).
Another unique feature of the program is that is uses experienced Local FISH Project Coordinators as mentors. Experienced staff are being used to help orient and guide new staff in implementing the FISH projects in newly funded counties. In this way, new projects can gain from the lessons learned by the experienced projects and implement their local projects more quickly and effectively.
The project has been successful on several fronts. Smoking rates among the women served in the program have significantly been reduced. Some family members of the women in the local FISH Projects have also quit smoking as a result of their relative's participation in the program. The project has also demonstrated the cost efficiency of numerous small counties coming together to implement a regional project with the in-kind assistance of state consultants. The 2005 goal of the project is to screen and serve approximately 2,000 pregnant with less than $50,000.
In conclusion, the "fishin" is great in Western North Carolina. Next time someone asks you if you "got fish," tell them you know where they can go to get some.
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Training topics will be tailored for HWTF Grantee program staff and will focus on increasing knowledge and skills for planning and implementing evidence based policy and program interventions. Specifically, topics will include secondhand smoke, community development and disparities.
Look for the registration brochure in mid-September. The brochure will include the remainder of the details needed for attendance at this event. Call Pat Vaughn at (919) 707-5408 for more information.
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The goal of the program is to decrease the high rates of prenatal smoking in twelve targeted counties in Western North Carolina by using the 5As counseling method. Patients who agree to participate in the program by cutting back or quitting smoking can receive incentive items such as quit bags, T-shirts, baby monitors, disposable cameras and gift cards for Wal-Mart. In addition, local health department staff are encouraged to participate in the program and several have quit smoking as a result.
A unique feature of the program is its organizational structure and partnerships. The Appalachian District Health Department is the grant contractor and subcontract with the twelve local health departments. State consultants from the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch and the Women's and Children's Health Section help with program planning, grant writing and project oversight. Additional project partners include the American Cancer Society, the regional POET and NOET and SAGE Partners, Inc. (the project evaluator).
Another unique feature of the program is that is uses experienced Local FISH Project Coordinators as mentors. Experienced staff are being used to help orient and guide new staff in implementing the FISH projects in newly funded counties. In this way, new projects can gain from the lessons learned by the experienced projects and implement their local projects more quickly and effectively.
The project has been successful on several fronts. Smoking rates among the women served in the program have significantly been reduced. Some family members of the women in the local FISH Projects have also quit smoking as a result of their relative's participation in the program. The project has also demonstrated the cost efficiency of numerous small counties coming together to implement a regional project with the in-kind assistance of state consultants. The 2005 goal of the project is to screen and serve approximately 2,000 pregnant with less than $50,000.
In conclusion, the "fishin" is great in Western North Carolina. Next time someone asks you if you "got fish," tell them you know where they can go to get some.
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Health and Wellness Trust Fund Training and Information Exchange
Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) grantees and partners are invited to attend an exciting one day Training and Information Exchange in Raleigh on Thursday, October 13, 2005, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The training will be held at the N.C. State McKimmon Conference and Training Center.Training topics will be tailored for HWTF Grantee program staff and will focus on increasing knowledge and skills for planning and implementing evidence based policy and program interventions. Specifically, topics will include secondhand smoke, community development and disparities.
Look for the registration brochure in mid-September. The brochure will include the remainder of the details needed for attendance at this event. Call Pat Vaughn at (919) 707-5408 for more information.
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We were
the best in the nation: let's do it again!
The N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS) is the single largest statewide youth survey in the state and has had an unprecedented participation rate. In 1999, N.C. had a school district participation rate or 98 percent, the highest in the nation. In 2003, we were in the top five. Rates this high don't come easily -- they are due to the hard work and dedication of school officials and tobacco prevention and control colleagues across the state! The YTS is a highly successful collaborative between the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services working together with the Safe and Drug Free School Coordinators from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction combined with support from the Health and Wellness Trust Fund. We set the standard for the nation, and we can meet that standard again for 2005.
N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey more than just numbers
Beyond the number of schools and students, data from YTS resulted in funding for the Teen Tobacco Prevention Use and Cessation Initiative program by the Health and Wellness Trust Fund which has increased from $6.4 million to $15 million annually since its inception 2002. Many schools and communities, perhaps your own, were granted awards in 2003 and 2004. We are excited about the 2005 YTS, as it will allow us to measure some of the impact of the HWTF Initiative. In order to measure progress, extend our prevention efforts, and dedicate future funding, we need a similar participation and response rate from school districts, schools and students for the 2005 YTS. It is the high response rates that make the data convincing.
N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey is critical
The 2005 YTS is vital, as we now have expanded and enhanced prevention efforts across the state. We need to demonstrate that evidence- based tobacco prevention programs work and show significant increases in prevention awareness and declines in youth consumption of tobacco.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Scott Proescholdbell, Epidemiologist, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, at (919) 715-3497 or email, or Antonia Johnson with Safe and Drug free Schools at (919) 807-3944.
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We have several new friends (and some old friends in new positions) to introduce.
Melanie Davis is the Branch's new Director of Parity and Diversity. Melanie comes from a similar position with the tobacco control program in New Mexico. Melanie has worked in tobacco control for three years and is originally from Arizona. Two of her hobbies are exercising and beading.
Laura McCormick, Ph.D. is the Branch's new Director of Field Operations. Originally from Chapel Hill, Laura came to us from the University of Georgia, where she was an associate professor and graduate coordinator for the MPH program. Happy to be back in N.C., Laura's main hobby is spending time with her daughter, Julia, who is six.
Mark Ezzell is the new Director of the 100 Percent Tobacco Free Schools Program. Mark is on interagency loan through the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) to the N.C. Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch. Prior to this role, he served as HWTF's Community Outreach Coordinator. A North Carolina native, Mark has also worked as a public health lobbyist, successfully advocating on legislation dealing with underage drinking prevention, highway safety and anti-drunk driving measures.
Marci Paul has worked as a temporary employee for the Branch for nearly two years, but happily became a permanent employee in April. She provides management support for the Evaluation Team and the field staff. Marci likes to unwind by reading murder mysteries. She also loves crime solving television like CSI and Forensic Files. Marci was born in Trinidad and grew up in Brooklyn. She has been in North Carolina for four years.
Pat Vaughn was hired in April to provide management support for the Tobacco Free Schools and Training Units. Originally from Fayetteville, Pat spent 25 years traveling the world with her husband, who was in the Air Force. Pat served for ten years in the Air Force Civil Service. She loves animals and gardening. Pat has been back in N.C. for three years.
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The N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS) is the single largest statewide youth survey in the state and has had an unprecedented participation rate. In 1999, N.C. had a school district participation rate or 98 percent, the highest in the nation. In 2003, we were in the top five. Rates this high don't come easily -- they are due to the hard work and dedication of school officials and tobacco prevention and control colleagues across the state! The YTS is a highly successful collaborative between the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services working together with the Safe and Drug Free School Coordinators from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction combined with support from the Health and Wellness Trust Fund. We set the standard for the nation, and we can meet that standard again for 2005.
N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey more than just numbers
Beyond the number of schools and students, data from YTS resulted in funding for the Teen Tobacco Prevention Use and Cessation Initiative program by the Health and Wellness Trust Fund which has increased from $6.4 million to $15 million annually since its inception 2002. Many schools and communities, perhaps your own, were granted awards in 2003 and 2004. We are excited about the 2005 YTS, as it will allow us to measure some of the impact of the HWTF Initiative. In order to measure progress, extend our prevention efforts, and dedicate future funding, we need a similar participation and response rate from school districts, schools and students for the 2005 YTS. It is the high response rates that make the data convincing.
N.C. Youth Tobacco Survey is critical
The 2005 YTS is vital, as we now have expanded and enhanced prevention efforts across the state. We need to demonstrate that evidence- based tobacco prevention programs work and show significant increases in prevention awareness and declines in youth consumption of tobacco.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Scott Proescholdbell, Epidemiologist, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, at (919) 715-3497 or email, or Antonia Johnson with Safe and Drug free Schools at (919) 807-3944.
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Welcome to the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch's New Staff
We have several new friends (and some old friends in new positions) to introduce.
Melanie Davis is the Branch's new Director of Parity and Diversity. Melanie comes from a similar position with the tobacco control program in New Mexico. Melanie has worked in tobacco control for three years and is originally from Arizona. Two of her hobbies are exercising and beading.
Laura McCormick, Ph.D. is the Branch's new Director of Field Operations. Originally from Chapel Hill, Laura came to us from the University of Georgia, where she was an associate professor and graduate coordinator for the MPH program. Happy to be back in N.C., Laura's main hobby is spending time with her daughter, Julia, who is six.
Mark Ezzell is the new Director of the 100 Percent Tobacco Free Schools Program. Mark is on interagency loan through the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF) to the N.C. Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch. Prior to this role, he served as HWTF's Community Outreach Coordinator. A North Carolina native, Mark has also worked as a public health lobbyist, successfully advocating on legislation dealing with underage drinking prevention, highway safety and anti-drunk driving measures.
Marci Paul has worked as a temporary employee for the Branch for nearly two years, but happily became a permanent employee in April. She provides management support for the Evaluation Team and the field staff. Marci likes to unwind by reading murder mysteries. She also loves crime solving television like CSI and Forensic Files. Marci was born in Trinidad and grew up in Brooklyn. She has been in North Carolina for four years.
Pat Vaughn was hired in April to provide management support for the Tobacco Free Schools and Training Units. Originally from Fayetteville, Pat spent 25 years traveling the world with her husband, who was in the Air Force. Pat served for ten years in the Air Force Civil Service. She loves animals and gardening. Pat has been back in N.C. for three years.
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North Carolina Tobacco Use Quitline
The Tobacco Prevention and Control
Branch of the N.C. Division of Public Health and the N.C. Health and
Wellness Trust Fund are happy to announce the availability of the North
Carolina Tobacco Quitline. Beginning October 2005, this free telephone
tobacco quitline service will be available from 8:00 AM until midnight,
seven days per week, to all residents of North Carolina who want to
quit the use of tobacco. The service, accessible at 1-800-QUIT-NOW,
will provide expert cessation help in both English and Spanish by
trained tobacco specialists who can arrange to make callbacks to
quitline users to check on quitting progress. Callers may request
information about quitting for themselves, a friend or a family member,
or may request information and support sessions for themselves that can
include up to four calls back from quit helpers.
The quitline will provide cessation services for all N.C. residents including youth and adults of all ages. Funding from the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund will support the youth and young adult service, while funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch will support adult quitline services.
The N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund and the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch are very excited to offer this important and effective resource to North Carolina youth and adults to help them quit using tobacco.
Please direct any questions to Jana Johnson, MD, MPH at the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch at 919-733-1356.
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The quitline will provide cessation services for all N.C. residents including youth and adults of all ages. Funding from the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund will support the youth and young adult service, while funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch will support adult quitline services.
The N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund and the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch are very excited to offer this important and effective resource to North Carolina youth and adults to help them quit using tobacco.
Please direct any questions to Jana Johnson, MD, MPH at the Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch at 919-733-1356.
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Secondhand Smoke Costs U.S. Economy $10 Billion Annually, According to New Study by Society of Actuaries
CHICAGO, August 17, 2005 -- Secondhand
smoke imposes significant costs on nonsmokers and society, according to
a recent Society of Actuaries (SOA) study that concluded the annual
costs of excess medical care, mortality and morbidity from secondhand
smoke exposure in the U.S. is approximately $10 billion. This includes
approximately $5 billion in direct medical costs and approximately $5
billion in indirect costs, such as lost wages, reduced services and
costs associated with disabilities per year.
The study is one of the first to explore the economic effects of secondhand smoke exposure for a variety of medical conditions in which it has shown to increase the incidence of illness. The many conditions examined include, but are not limited to, lung cancer, asthma, and chronic pulmonary and coronary artery diseases. This research was developed by the SOA in partnership with the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.
The study determined both the direct and indirect costs associated with a specific medical condition.
By relating where secondhand exposure happens - either at home, work or in both locations - to the level of increase in incidence, the research team determined the number of additional medical cases in the U.S. related to secondhand smoke exposure.
"We wanted to understand the difference in cost that would occur if exposure to environmental tobacco smoke were simply eliminated," said Donald Behan, Fellow of the SOA and lead researcher for the project. "While the health effects of secondhand smoke are reduced in comparison to active smoking, the number of people exposed is so large that the costs are substantial. As our research shows, even though exposure to secondhand smoke has been greatly reduced over the last fifteen years, it remains a public health concern with an economic impact in the U.S. of many billions of dollars per year."
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The study is one of the first to explore the economic effects of secondhand smoke exposure for a variety of medical conditions in which it has shown to increase the incidence of illness. The many conditions examined include, but are not limited to, lung cancer, asthma, and chronic pulmonary and coronary artery diseases. This research was developed by the SOA in partnership with the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.
The study determined both the direct and indirect costs associated with a specific medical condition.
By relating where secondhand exposure happens - either at home, work or in both locations - to the level of increase in incidence, the research team determined the number of additional medical cases in the U.S. related to secondhand smoke exposure.
"We wanted to understand the difference in cost that would occur if exposure to environmental tobacco smoke were simply eliminated," said Donald Behan, Fellow of the SOA and lead researcher for the project. "While the health effects of secondhand smoke are reduced in comparison to active smoking, the number of people exposed is so large that the costs are substantial. As our research shows, even though exposure to secondhand smoke has been greatly reduced over the last fifteen years, it remains a public health concern with an economic impact in the U.S. of many billions of dollars per year."
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100% Tobacco Free Schools Update
Halfway home!
Last month, more than 200 state and local officials, local health advocates, legislators and students, celebrated an important milestone in the public health of North Carolina. This July sixth event, led by Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue, chair of the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF), celebrated that over fifty percent of North Carolina's school systems have adopted a 100 percent Tobacco Free Schools (TFS) policy. Lt. Governor Perdue also rededicated efforts to pass the policy in all North Carolina schools.
Northampton County became the fifty-eighth school system to adopt a 100 percent TFS policy. Northampton County's policy passage in June means that over half of the 115 state school systems have formally adopted this policy.
A special thanks to everyone who attended the event, and congratulations to all who helped pass 100 percent TFS policies in their local schools.
61 and Counting
Since late May, five school systems (Alleghany County, Duplin County, Northampton County, Washington County and Watauga County) have passed 100 percent TFS policies! Several other local school boards are considering the policy and expect to vote in the next few weeks.
Fall Grassroots Plan
Do you want to see some high school football? Some of the state's best high school football teams are 100 percent TFS districts, and we'll be visiting them this fall to hilight the policy's successes and to encourage non-TFS school systems to adopt the policy. The TFS Football Friday tour will swing through various parts of North Carolina and will feature giveaways, exhibits, games and a chance to have your comments about teen tobacco use captured on file. Stay tuned for more information!
New TFS Web Site
While many school leaders and public health professionals know about 100 percent TFS policies, much of the public is unfamiliar with our efforts.
Beginning in late September, a brand new 100 percent TFS informational web site will be launched. The site will complement the existing 100 percent TFS site, which is geared mostly towards professionals and advocates. The new site will feature ways for parents, teachers and other concerned members of the public to become involved in 100 percent TFS policy passage efforts. For those in school districts with a 100 percent TFS policy, the site will provide tools the public can use to help foster the policy's implementation and public compliance. There will also be an interactive feature to hilight TFS activity by school district.
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If you have feedback or comments please let us know, OR you can contribute your own story about tobacco prevention and control in N.C. Please send to Julie Helsabeck at Julie Helsabeck.
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Last month, more than 200 state and local officials, local health advocates, legislators and students, celebrated an important milestone in the public health of North Carolina. This July sixth event, led by Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue, chair of the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF), celebrated that over fifty percent of North Carolina's school systems have adopted a 100 percent Tobacco Free Schools (TFS) policy. Lt. Governor Perdue also rededicated efforts to pass the policy in all North Carolina schools.
Northampton County became the fifty-eighth school system to adopt a 100 percent TFS policy. Northampton County's policy passage in June means that over half of the 115 state school systems have formally adopted this policy.
A special thanks to everyone who attended the event, and congratulations to all who helped pass 100 percent TFS policies in their local schools.
61 and Counting
Since late May, five school systems (Alleghany County, Duplin County, Northampton County, Washington County and Watauga County) have passed 100 percent TFS policies! Several other local school boards are considering the policy and expect to vote in the next few weeks.
Fall Grassroots Plan
Do you want to see some high school football? Some of the state's best high school football teams are 100 percent TFS districts, and we'll be visiting them this fall to hilight the policy's successes and to encourage non-TFS school systems to adopt the policy. The TFS Football Friday tour will swing through various parts of North Carolina and will feature giveaways, exhibits, games and a chance to have your comments about teen tobacco use captured on file. Stay tuned for more information!
New TFS Web Site
While many school leaders and public health professionals know about 100 percent TFS policies, much of the public is unfamiliar with our efforts.
Beginning in late September, a brand new 100 percent TFS informational web site will be launched. The site will complement the existing 100 percent TFS site, which is geared mostly towards professionals and advocates. The new site will feature ways for parents, teachers and other concerned members of the public to become involved in 100 percent TFS policy passage efforts. For those in school districts with a 100 percent TFS policy, the site will provide tools the public can use to help foster the policy's implementation and public compliance. There will also be an interactive feature to hilight TFS activity by school district.
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Coming Next Year: 2006 Statewide Youth Leadership Institute
The Health and Wellness Trust Fund will
sponsor the third Statewide Youth Leadership Institute. The event es
scheduled for February 24 - 26, 2006 and will be held at the Sheraton
Imperial, RTP. The purpose of the Institute is to provide in-depth,
interactive leadership training and development sessions for youth and
adults and to incorporate youth-driven, adult-supported tobacco use
prevention activities into the local planning process. Teams of youth
involved in tobacco use prevention and youth advocacy will be invited
to learn, lead and celebrate successes. Team registration materials
should be distributed by mid-December.
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Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch is Moving!
The Tobacco Prevention and Control
Branch will be moving by the end of September. Our mailing address will
remain the same, but our physical address, phone numbers and fax number
will change.
Mailing Address
Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch
1932 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1932
New Address for Express Packages
Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch
5605 Six Forks Road
3rd Floor
Raleigh, N.C. 27609
Main Phone number
919-707-5400
Fax Number
919-707-4844
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Mailing Address
Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch
1932 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1932
New Address for Express Packages
Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch
5605 Six Forks Road
3rd Floor
Raleigh, N.C. 27609
Main Phone number
919-707-5400
Fax Number
919-707-4844
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If you have feedback or comments please let us know, OR you can contribute your own story about tobacco prevention and control in N.C. Please send to Julie Helsabeck at Julie Helsabeck.