Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) and the Cigarette Restitution Fund Tobacco Grant partnered with Howard County Government funded Community Based Organizations (CBOs), to revitalize the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program (The Program). The program was revitalized in FY2022 grant period (07/01/2021-06/30/2022) to provide tobacco initiation prevention education and direct cessation services including virtual/remote options (i.e. classes, one on one counseling, group counseling, and pharmacologic interventions) to improve the quality of lives for resident and to prevent tobacco related illness and disease within the county. The program’s purpose is to assist Howard County residents to prevent initiation among youth and adults, promote quitting among youth and adults, and advance health equity by identifying and eliminating commercial tobacco products related inequities and disparities. The goal of this program is to build community capacity and engagement to influence social norms to foster a tobacco-free environment by providing no cost direct cessation classes/services and medications. No cost medical evaluation, clearance, and counseling will be provided by a clinician to any participant who desires assistance with tobacco cessation medications. Outcomes are measured by numerical class attendance, outreach data, and information on satisfaction surveys.