Learning Objectives: Explain how to effectively and efficiently implement the youth cessation intervention programs, Tobacco Education Group and Tobacco Awareness Group, in more than one school system.
Abstract: St. Luke’s Hospital collaborates with local schools and law enforcement to provide tobacco intervention and cessation to youth in grades 7-12. Using Community Intervention’s Tobacco Awareness Program (TAP) and Tobacco Education Group (TEG), we serve large populations effectively and efficiently. The TEG, an "alternative to suspension" curriculum, is conducted at the hospital two consecutive Saturday mornings a month to teen tobacco users for tobacco education. TAP, an 8-week voluntary cessation program, helps teens quit. Many community organizations can duplicate this model. Collaboration, a central location, communication, and evaluations are tools used to provide services with limited resources. In partnership with those served, we tailor the program to meet the specific needs of each group. St. Luke’s Hospital has served over 1200 students since 1996. Currently we provide TEG for 22 schools and in a juvenile court setting. We are providing TAP in eight schools. It takes approximately 40 hours per week of staff time. The self reported quit rate for TEG last year was 28% and the reduced rate was 40%. The TAP quit rate last year was 28% and the reduced rate was 65%. Results are verified using a CO monitor. This model is an integral part of a community-wide strategy to reduce teenage tobacco use. Positive quit and use reduction rates, improvement in knowledge about the consequences of tobacco use, favorable responses on evaluations from both teens and organizations, and the number of schools and organizations being served supports that this model is effective and efficient.
Back to Teen Power
Back to Cessation, Nicotine, and the Science of Addiction
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health