Methods: All TUCP Mini-Grants focus on policy change that eliminates secondhand smoke or implements cessation strategies. TUCP created a web-based Statewide Policy Database to compile policy related information on all grantees; link local policy changes to statewide efforts; monitor progress of mini-grant projects; track mini-grant expenditures; and share local successes and “best practice” cases statewide to all tobacco control advocates. The database tracks the following information: basic contact information, policy initiatives for current grant year, policy action steps, budgets, media usage, challenges, barriers and successes, and site visits. The database is designed to correspond to the Chronicle Report.

A web-based database allows Field Coordinators to access the database from each region of the state and input information about each grantee. Only Field Coordinators are allowed to input data into the system. A future upgrade to the system includes creating a web-based reporting system for grantees that will allow grantees to enter bi-monthly activity and expenditure reports online.

Results: This database allows TUCP staff to immediately track policy changes as they occur at the local level. The database generates several reports including a Regional Policy Report, a Statewide Policy Report, a Regional Expenditure Report, and a Media Usage Report. The information that is generated from this database can also be used to complete the Chronicle's Annual Progress Report and Mid-Year Progress Report.

Conclusions: Database is needed to evaluate tobacco control policy changes.