The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Budget constraints and high rates of turnover among tobacco control program staff on the State level have resulted in gaps in leadership and decreases in programming, pointing to an increased need for collaboration amongst programs, training and mentoring for new staff, and information exchange with national partners. The Tobacco Control Network represents a coordinated effort to enhance learning for State staff around best practices and complex issues from peers in tobacco control.

Methods: The TCN is comprised of the program manager and additional staff from each State, Territory, and D.C. The TCN is funded by the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health and is administered by the Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium, an independent project housed at Emory University. In its administration of the TCN, TTAC engages in activities to facilitate information-sharing between State tobacco control programs, represent State interests with national partners, serve as a resource for technical assistance, and cultivate leadership opportunities.

Results: The TCN membership includes 160+ individuals who manage or work in state tobacco control programs, providing members access to a wealth of expertise from across the country. Based on the results of a needs assessment and strategic planning effort, the TCN has adopted a new structure, including the formation of a Policy Committee, with regular conference calls serving to enhance effective partnerships and promote information exchange around policy issues. Attendees will learn about how the TCN was formed, how it is maintained, and the tools that have been effective in connecting state programs.