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Clearing the Air in Washington State: A Statewide Systems Approach

Clearing the Air in Washington State: A Statewide Systems Approach. Terry R. Reid, MSW Unit Director, Tobacco Prevention & Control Washington State Department of Health. Today’s Presentation. Learn about our approach to planning and implementation Share lessons learned about implementation.

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Clearing the Air in Washington State: A Statewide Systems Approach

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  1. Clearing the Air in Washington State:A Statewide Systems Approach Terry R. Reid, MSW Unit Director, Tobacco Prevention & Control Washington State Department of Health

  2. Today’s Presentation • Learn about our approach to planning and implementation • Share lessons learned about implementation

  3. Tobacco Control in Washington State • Well funded, comprehensive state program since 2000 • All counties, 26 Tribes and 5 cross cultural communities funded • 3rd highest cigarette tax ($2.02/pack) • Adult smoking decrease by 24% • Youth smoking decrease by 50%

  4. Washington’s Initiative 901 • Initiative process due to repeated legislative failures • Comprehensive – Banned smoking in all indoor workplaces and public places, as well as some outdoor settings • Passed in Nov 2005 by 63% majority, went into effect 30 days later

  5. DOH’s Overall Goal for Implementation Achieve high compliance with new law as early as possible by: • Promoting awareness of the new law to business and general public • Supporting consistent implementation and enforcement by local health departments

  6. Pre – Election Barriers • DOH activity limited – must avoid any perception of advocacy for an initiative • Many local health departments ambivalent- another unfunded mandate • Little internal support for TPC Program to start implementation planning • “Let’s wait until we see if it passes” attitude

  7. Public Awareness Strategies • Paid Media: Radio ad – upbeat message • Information line: 1-800-901-INFO • Direct mailing of education materials to 10,000 businesses • Signage developed • Expanded web-based resources • LHJ Tool kit CD

  8. Letter from Terry Reid, Tobacco Program manager Text of Initiative-901 Clean Indoor Air Act (pre-I-901) Questions and answers about I-901 Key messages and talking points Fact sheet for contractors Questions and answers for workplaces Brochures Preparing for a Smoke-Free Washington (business audience) Preparing for a Smoke-Free Washington (general audience) Tips and Resources Talking with businesses about going smoke-free Tips for working with media Resource guide Tips for working with law enforcement Templates Sample opinion editorial - compliance Sample letter to the editor - compliance Sample opinion editorial Sample letter to the editor Sample public service announcement Retailer education letter Benefits and tips for businesses going smoke free Business testimonials Media contact list overview Washington media contact list Promotional Items No Smoking signs in English and Spanish Clearinghouse items and how to order Smoke-free signs and Web banners Style guide Ideas for local promotions Tool Kits for LHJ

  9. Tool Kit Samples (mock-ups)

  10. Signshttp://www.doh.wa.gov/Tobacco/other/smokefreesigns.htm • Indoor Signs (8.5x11) • Window sticker

  11. Signshttp://www.doh.wa.gov/Tobacco/other/smokefreesigns.htm

  12. Supporting Local Enforcement • Technical assistance conference calls • Attorney General Office engaged as partner • Web site “share” page created • Assist in dealing with interest groups and trouble makers

  13. Implementation Results and Lessons • Strong acceptance by business and public • High compliance reported • Telephone hotline useful in short-term • Some local health departments engaged, others struggle with lack of local political support

  14. Implementation Results and Lessons • Lack of state rulemaking contribute to legal challenges • Partnerships with other state agencies proved difficult • Without funds, local enforcement is largely complaint based. Local tobacco programs assumed education enforcement duties • Consider implementation issues before law is drafted

  15. Implementation Results and Lessons • Engage agency leaders – this is important public health policy • Local program prepared for education, not enforcement duties • Public and media turn to state DOH for answers • No need to reinvent implementation materials • Plan and carry out evaluation

  16. What’s Next • Legislative challenges expected in 2008 • Nursing homes and cigar bars • Legal challenges on-going • American Legion Post vs. State of Washington • Exploring ways for DOH to support local health departments

  17. Questions? Terry.Reid@doh.wa.gov

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