Learning Objectives: Illustrate the findings from a community needs assessment implemented at nine community-based organizations, to identify the needs and resources available in the area of tobacco control and prevention for Hispanics from the view of the population intended to be served. Describe the development and implementation of an evaluation strategy of a leadership infrastructure for tobacco control grounded in community-based priorities and needs.
Abstract: The National Alliance for Hispanic Health established the “National Hispanic Leadership Network for Tobacco Control (The Network),” as a counter-force to the promotion of tobacco products in Hispanic communities. This initiative, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), brings together the energy and creativeness of leading community-based organizations along with key support sectors (health professional, governmental, corporate, academic) at the state and local levels, to support the growth of tobacco control movements grounded in community-driven plans of action. The Network utilizes a community model under which nine regional sites conduct a community needs assessment and determine site-specific leadership and outreach activities, based on the needs assessment and on-going evaluation.
The evaluation consists of baseline needs assessment data and follow-up evaluation activities in order to determine progress. The evaluation strategy is based on each site selecting one of four priority areas that address Healthy People 2010 tobacco control and prevention objectives. These include: prevent youth initiation, support cessation, prevent ETS, and eliminate disparities, as the focus of their project activities. A convenience sample will be drawn from these sites to help determine progress and outcomes of the program, and data will be compared among the sites as well as within each specific site by year. This discussion is intended for public health and research professionals concerned with reaching Hispanic communities and measuring community-based models of tobacco control. Participants will gain basic training in utilizing a tested needs assessment instrument in tobacco control and applying lessons learned.
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