CDC Communities Putting Prevention to Work: Increase Access to Cessation Services

In an effort to lower tobacco use in neighborhoods with a high number of smokers, Santa Clara County Public Health Department's Tobacco Prevention Program partnered with a number of community-based organizations (CBOs). CBOs well-positioned to initiate tobacco use cessation services were identified and awarded mini-grants to expand counseling, referrals, and access to nicotine replacement therapy. This approach allowed for effective communication and education among the county's diverse population, including Vietnamese, African American, Latino, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) communities. Cessation services were provided using the "ask, advise, refer" model in culturally and linguistically appropriate messaging. Services were provided on-site as well as at outreach events in the community.

The goal is to increase cessation within communities with the highest tobacco use rates through culturally appropriate services provided through community-based organization partners.

The intervention has resulted in a 39% quit success rate.

The partnership between CBOs and the Tobacco Prevention Program increased cessation services availability for the county's most vulnerable populations. The "ask, advise, refer" model of cessation service is used by 30 health facilities, 8 colleges, and 11 CBOs, reaching over 544,000 residents. Within two years, approximately 8,000 units of nicotine replacement therapy were distributed. Post-intervention surveys have found an overall cessation success rate of 39% and an even higher rate of 50% within the Vietnamese community.