Accelerating Community-Based Tobacco Cessation Treatment in Ohio FQHCs: A Statewide Quality Initiative

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Tobacco Cessation

Background:

• Tobacco use continues to disproportionately affect low-income and rural populations, despite overall declines.
• Primary care settings are crucial for addressing health disparities and implementing preventive health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of Ohio's primary care centers in tobacco cessation efforts.
• To assess the impact of these centers on increasing screenings and reducing tobacco use in underserved communities.

Main Methods:

• The Ohio Primary Care Association supports 60 health centers statewide.
• These centers provide integrated care, including preventive services.
• Focus on tobacco cessation interventions within these centers.

Main Results:

• Primary care centers successfully increased tobacco use screenings.
• These interventions led to a reduction in tobacco use among underserved populations.
• Demonstrated effectiveness of integrated care models in addressing tobacco-related health disparities.

Conclusions:

• Primary care associations and health centers are vital in combating tobacco use disparities.
• Integrated care models effectively enhance tobacco cessation outcomes in vulnerable communities.
• Continued support for these centers is essential for public health advancement.