Learning Objectives: Explain the ethical issues inherent in determining whether or not to accept funds from the tobacco industry. Assess the costs and benefits of accepting funding from the tobacco industry. Describe the differences between funds from the MSA funding stream and grants or gifts from the tobacco industry.
Abstract: As the tobacco industry continues to attempt to clean up its reputation, tobacco companies reach out to community groups with offers of funding and donation of educational materials. Philip Morris, in particular, has established itself as a major funder of programs for the arts, HIV/AIDS, hunger, domestic violence and minority groups. All the major companies conduct outreach to the youth service community and have developed so-called youth anti-smoking programs of their own that they market widely.
State and local groups are tempted with the offers of funding from the industry. Schools strapped for cash accept the offers of free "anti-smoking" materials and curricula. Community groups wanting to make a difference about teen smoking take industry money to develop programs. The tobacco control community often reacts with dismay and criticism. The groups claim that they have no other way to implement anti-smoking programs unless they take the industry's money.
This session will look at the ethical issues involved in taking money from the industry and stimulate discussion among participants of the pro's and con's as well as the political and social implications. We will address the difference between taking direct grants from the industry and using money from the MSA. Also discussed will be a set of ethical guidelines developed to help community-based organizations make sound decisions about partnerships and funding.
Speakers will include tobacco control advocates, an ethicist, and representatives from groups that have refused funding from the industry and those which have taken it.
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