Problem/Objective: A challenge to managing a comprehensive tobacco control program is connecting funded projects in the field with: one another, other non-funded potential collaborators, evaluators, and projects delivering training and technical assistance in order to maximize resources, learning, and avoid duplication of effort.

Methods: The California Tobacco Control Program, in partnership with Florida State University, developed searchable Project and Local Program Evaluator directories and a virtual help desk. Programmatic information draws from an online Plan. As revisions are made to the Plan and approved, the Project Directory is immediately updated. The virtual Help Desk supports the timely distribution of resources and technical assistance.

Results: The online Project and Local Program Evaluator directories and the virtual help desk are powerful tools to connect people to find everything from a phone number, to an evaluator with Spanish language skills, to the projects working on smoke-free beaches. Online systems decrease the burden on the agency compiling the directory, improve the currency of data, simplify searching, and improve cross-pollination across projects. A Virtual Help Desk not only support the timely assistance to those in the field but also provides critical information to track various types of barriers across the board and what types of solutions can be provided in a proactive manner.

Conclusions: Using technology to implement directories and virtual helps desks involves a partnership between program and information management and technology experts to design systems that are user friendly and highly functional. Security features, search functions, key word lists, report formats, and user management are key areas of design consideration that will be discussed.