Building a statewide coalition for tobacco control, 1993-present

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Maryland faced high cancer rates in 1993 with no established tobacco control strategy.
• A critical call to action initiated the formation of a statewide tobacco control coalition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the establishment and strategic development of the Smoke Free Maryland coalition.
• To analyze the impact of the coalition's advocacy on tobacco control policies in Maryland.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a statewide coalition, Smoke Free Maryland, following a call to action.
• Development of a strategic plan based on core principles for tobacco control.
• Engagement in legislative advocacy and pursuit of regulatory changes.

Main Results:

• Successful legislative advocacy leading to significant policy changes.
• Implementation of a statewide workplace smoking ban.
• Enactment of laws restricting tobacco access for minors.

Conclusions:

• Organized, principle-driven coalitions are effective in advancing tobacco control policy.
• Strategic advocacy can lead to substantial improvements in public health through regulation.
• Maryland's tobacco control measures demonstrate the success of coordinated public health initiatives.