Key Points: Given that the highest smoking rates in the United States are among those with a GED or living below the poverty level, the American Legacy Foundation is supporting pilot efforts to integrate tobacco cessation into Head Start sites. The initiative is focused on building local partnerships and supporting institutional changes within local Head Start programs and broader Head Start governance structures to ensure that household members are provided tobacco cessation information and referrals to cessation services.

The program involves instituting systems to track tobacco users in the household; ensuring that staff at the Head Start site receives training; and developing strong partnerships with health serving organizations and cessation providers. Thus, on-site cessation counselors are not necessary, but instead family members are directed to community-based services and state quitlines.

Learning Objectives: This panel presentation will outline the process and structure of the pilot. National, state, and local partners will engage in an interactive dialogue with the audience to layout the institutional change model including building partnerships, staff training, and working with family members. Ultimately, the goal is to implement this into Head Start across the country thereby increasing cessation rates and decreasing exposure to second hand smoke. This session will provide participants with information about how to work with Head Start on cessation for family members and staff.

Benefits: Audience members will walk away with basic information about how to implement such programming in their state or local community.