Learning Objectives: Describe the role of an independent evaluator for state-funded tobacco control efforts.
Abstract: The West Virginia Tobacco Prevention Program (WVTPP) within the state health department (SHD) was developed with funds provided by the tobacco settlement and CDC. The WVTPP has two related missions: to reduce tobacco-related addiction, disease, and death, and to change the way residents view tobacco by using local programs. In pursuit of these dual missions, WVTPP provided funding to local governmental entities, community organizations, and other partners.
The Evaluation Oversight and Coordinating Unit (EOCU) at West Virginia University was created as an independent evaluator to help the SHD monitor and assess the effectiveness of projects funded by the WVTPP. This joint venture ensures that WV tobacco prevention and cessation efforts are founded in science, responsive to communities, and accountable to state government. EOCU efforts focused on categorizing projects, developing category-specific program monitoring tools, data collection and analysis, and reporting. The WVTPP goals guided the development of the program monitoring tools which were designed to capture relevant process and outcome information for the specific evaluation categories.
Key findings from Year 1 efforts in the evaluation categories of training, education, policy, program development, and intervention, along with lessons learned will be presented.
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