​The Tobacco Prevention Policy Tool showcases various policy strategies that support prevention of youth tobacco initiation, reduction in secondhand smoke exposure and access to quitlines and cessation services.

This tool is designed for pediatricians and other c​hild health care professionals who are interested in focusing advocacy efforts on secondhand smoke and tobacco control in all states and communities, including disparate populations, and among military children and families.​ 

How to Use the Tool: 
  1. Identify the setting you’ll be working in (eg, Clinical Practice, Community, or State-Level) 
  2. Choose the goal you’d like to focus on and click the accompanying link (eg, “Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure”) 
  3. Inside the tool, you’ll find strategies you can use to achieve that goal in your setting. ​ 

Setting: Clinical Practice

Click on the name of the Clinical Practice goal (eg, Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure) for strategies you can use to achieve that goal in this setting.

Setting: State

Click on the name of the State goal (eg, Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure) for strategies you can use to achieve that goal in this setting.

Setting: School/Child Care

Click on the name of the School/Child Care goal (eg, Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure) for strategies you can use to achieve that goal in this setting.

Setting: National

Click on the name of the National goal (eg, Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure) for strategies you can use to achieve that goal in this setting.

Setting: Community

Click on the name of the Community goal (eg, Prevention of Secondhand Smoke Exposure) for strategies you can use to achieve that goal in this setting.

 

Additional Information and Resources 

As pediatricians and health care professionals, there are many opportunities to regularly address tobacco prevention and cessation issues in the clinical setting with patients and families. As advocates, there are many opportunities at all levels (ie, practice, school/child care, community, state, and federal) to create positive policy change. This Tobacco Prevention Policy Tool identifies specific strategies based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MAPPS strategies (M= media; A= access; P= point of purchase/promotion; P= price; S= social support & services). These five evidence-based strategies were developed as part of the US Department of Health and Human Services Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative, and can have a profound effect on improving health behaviors through policy, systems, and environmental changes. 

Specific recommendations taken from tobacco-focused AAP policy statements​ are cited in this tool. Additional recommendations and resources are also provided from several organizations including, but not limited to, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Academy of Medicine, the Surgeon General, the Public Health Service, the US Department of Health and Human Services and the Community Guide to Preventive Services. Taken together, these action steps provide guidance for effective advocacy to combat tobacco addiction and create smoke-free environments for children and families. 

Pediatricians who are concerned with these issues and want to make an impact are urged to coordinate with their state AAP chapters. Pediatricians, other physicians and health care professionals and community partners can take full advantage of the resources and information available from the AAP, their state’s AAP chapter, and its coalition members. By speaking with one voice, pediatricians and their partners within the tobacco control community not only bolster their strength in numbers, but maximize their credibility with those they seek to influence. 

Additional Academy resources for pediatricians and health care professionals who are interested in learning more about advocacy include: 

Additional resources from other organizations: 

Last Updated

05/10/2021

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics