Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, attendees will be able to identify the relative success of state prevention policy and funding measures when tobacco is infused in an ATOD approach.
Abstract: State agency administrators and prevention program advocates relate to funding sources as they develop strategies for community prevention programs. Variations are found among states regarding centralized or decentralized structuring of program responsibilities for implementation of community level efforts for prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Availability of scarce resources can lead to competition for funds and duplication of efforts. The problem can also be manifest in dilution of the prevention message. A case study is utilized in Oklahoma to explore the strengths and weaknesses of implementing tobacco prevention as a separate policy initiative or in combination with alcohol and other drugs. First, we provide a review of the literature and examination of states' approaches to this policy issue. Next, we address two underlying research questions: (1) does an ATOD approach dilute the prevention message for each area, especially tobacco prevention efforts, and/or (2) does ATOD add up to greater than a sum of prevention efforts in the separate problem areas? We present findings from a content analysis of interviews with administrators responsible for funding streams for prevention within the state of Oklahoma then contrast this with results of similar interviews with tobacco lobbyists active in the state. Study findings are summarized as policy points for funding and evaluation of ATOD prevention programming.
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