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Evolution of a comprehensive tobacco control programme: building system capacity and strategic partnerships--lessons
1Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-4619, USA. Harriet.Robbins@state.ma.us
Background:
Since the passage of a voter approved state referendum in 1992 to establish a 25 cent increase on the excise tax on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, Massachusetts has received an average of $40 million annually for its tobacco control programme. This funding allowed Massachusetts to expand and develop its tobacco control programme to become one of the most comprehensive in the world.
Objectives:
The development of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program is outlined, focusing on three stages of development: formation, strategic partnership building, and shared leadership.
Methods:
The development of management structures, programmatic infrastructure, communication and partnership networks, and advisory structures are tracked throughout the three phases.
Results:
The use of pre-existing public health resources, implementation of a strong training component, a geographical management structure, the creation of public and private partnerships, and the development of a shared leadership model contributed to building consensus and provided the foundation for coordinated approaches to tobacco control.
Conclusion:
Other states and countries can use lessons learned from Massachusetts about the organisational development of a comprehensive tobacco control programme as they embark upon similar efforts.