Florida tobacco prevention and control program: building capacity through collaboration

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Florida's commitment to tobacco prevention and control.
• The significant role of the Tobacco-Free Florida Coalition and its partners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development and establishment of a comprehensive tobacco prevention and control program in Florida.
• To highlight successful inter-agency collaboration in achieving public health goals.

Main Methods:

• Inter-agency collaboration and partnership development.
• Securing federal and private grants to support tobacco control initiatives.
• Programmatic development in the absence of a tobacco tax increase.

Main Results:

• Establishment of a comprehensive statewide tobacco prevention and control effort.
• Successful acquisition of substantial federal and private funding.
• Development of infrastructure for sustained future success.

Conclusions:

• Effective collaboration among key agencies is crucial for comprehensive public health initiatives.
• Florida's tobacco control program demonstrates success through strategic partnerships and funding, even without a dedicated tax increase.
• Ongoing assessment is vital for achieving long-term program objectives.