Learning Objectives: Identify methods and procedures to review tobacco programs for cost effectiveness and efficiency
Abstract: State fiscal budgets are tightening and the competition for tobacco control dollars is increasing. The need to develop and exhibit cost effective and efficient tobacco control programs is essential for program managers. It is no longer enough for states to reduce tobacco use rates. States must show cost- effective programming. This presentation will present lessons learned about evaluating and redirecting programming for efficiency and effectiveness from The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi’s (PHM) youth focused tobacco control program. Begun in late 1998, the PHM is a non-profit agency made up of more than 600 public and private organizations dedicated to creating a healthier environment in Mississippi by reducing youth tobacco use. The PHM using CDC’s Best Practices has produced a 30% reduction among middle school students and a 25% reduction among high school students in a state where tobacco was ranked fourth nationally in the number of lives lost to tobacco per capita at the beginning of the program. In addition, the PHM has increased youth access compliance rates to 94%, has trained over 9,000 teachers in tobacco education, and has developed an internationally recognized media campaign.
But, despite initial successes the PHM is constantly reevaluating and reviewing programming for effectiveness. Through these reviews the PHM has learned valuable lessons and methods that can be useful to other states conducting youth prevention and education, community education and coalition building, media, evaluation, and enforcement. The PHM will share these lessons and present ways that states can maximize their programming dollars.
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