Learning Objectives: Provide culturally-sound strategies for promoting compliance to laws regulating secondhand smoke (SHS) and for the adoption of voluntary SHS policies in Hispanic/Latino communities that go beyond the parameters of State laws. Describe strategies for education and compliance in Hispanic/Latino communities to reduce SHS exposure in both home and work environments. Demonstrate the development and adoption of voluntary smoke-free policies for work and home environments depending on varying levels of support.
Abstract: Given that there are close to 11 million Hispanics/Latinos in California, composing 32.4% of the State’s population and that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanics/Latinos – many of which will die from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) - the California Hispanic/Latino Tobacco Education Network (H/LaTEN) implemented the Regale Salud advocacy campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to encourage compliance with existing SHS laws and adopt voluntary policies that go beyond the parameters of these statewide laws. During this discussion we will provide background experience from H/LaTEN in implementing culturally proficient community organizing approaches in the Hispanic/Latino community in an effort to provide education of current and new SHS policies. In addition, will highlight efforts to promote voluntary compliance and advocacy strategies to regulate SHS levels in the Hispanic/Latino community in both indoor and outdoor settings, including homes, workplaces, and parks. Health professionals and other individuals interested in protecting Hispanics/Latinos from the harmful effects of SHS and who have an interest in applying culturally relevant strategies in promoting smoke-free environments would benefit most from this discussion. Participants will gain access to sample voluntary smoke-free workplace, park, and apartment policies that range in scope and strength, from policies regulating SHS in common areas only to those prohibiting tobacco smoke in an entire apartment complex. The discussion will also provide lessons learned from various Hispanic/Latino communities throughout California working in participation with H/LaTEN towards smoke-free home and work environments.
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