Debbie Melecio
Program Specialist
5425 Polk Ave.
Houston, TX 77023
713-767-3030
Purpose
The purpose of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program is to reduce the health and economic toll tobacco has placed on the citizens of Texas.
Goals
To eliminate exposure to environmental tobacco smoke
To promote tobacco use cessation among adults and youth
To prevent initiation of tobacco use by youth
To identify and eliminate disparities among diverse and special populations
Activities
Technical assistance to community organizations, schools, worksites, health professionals and law enforcement agencies on tobacco use prevention issues
A clearinghouse of information on tobacco use prevention issues
State-wide media campaign to educate Texans about the dangers of tobacco use and the Texas Tobacco Law
Assistance in conducting the Texas Youth Tobacco Survey which provides current data on youth tobacco use rates and trends
Free Information
Brochures and literature on various tobacco topics including cessation , environmental tobacco smoke, spit tobacco, cigars, youth, worksite policy development, school resources and multilingual resources
Quarterly Tobacco Information and Health Bulletin
Tobacco prevention ordinances and laws
Current research information and statistics
Promote Comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Initiative through the following vehicles
Media
School programs
Community programs
Cessation
Enforcement
Help to foster a community environment that promotes tobacco prevention and control
Identify and enlist community partners
Participate in and support local coalitions
Promote and support tobacco prevention and control policies, ordinances and regulations
Promote tobacco prevention specific venues such as Red Ribbon Week, Great American Smokeout, Kick Butts Day, and World No Tobacco Day
Assess overall initiative for effectiveness through evaluation
Set the example for the community
Be the leader on the issue
Toll-free number for those who wish to request tobacco information or to report illegal tobacco sales to youth: 1.800.345.6847
Link:
Department of State Health Services Tobacco Prevention and Control
If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us.