Montgomery County Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program

Montgomery County is one of the largest counties in Maryland with one of the most diverse populations. In fact, approximately 44% of residents in Montgomery County consider themselves a minority. This includes approximately 16.9% African American, 13.6% Hispanic/Latino, 13.8% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 0.4% American Indian/Alaskan Native.

One of the goals of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is to promote programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate to address and eliminate tobacco disparities. Program activities are carried out by health department staff, contractors, community partners, county organizations.

Community Coalition

The Montgomery County Tobacco Free Coalition meets every other month with additional evening coalition meetings in October and April. In fiscal year 2008, the "Breathe Free" newsletter was created to facilitate the sharing of tobacco control information and community activities. To view a copy of our September edition visit: http://www.mcctcp.org/newsletters/newsletter9_07.pdf.

Community-based

Montgomery County has many community-partners to reach out to target populations and at-risk groups. These partners conduct culturally appropriate education on the dangers of tobacco use and second hand smoke. These partners include:

Community Ministries of Rockville (Hispanic/Latino)

CASA of Maryland (Hispanic/Latino)
Community Health Consultants (Youth, Pregnant Teens)
Korean Community Services Center (Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese)
Peoples Community Baptist Church (African American Health Program)
G.O.S.P.E.L.-Glorifying Our Spiritual and Physical Existence (Faith-based)
Primary Care Coalition
African Women's Cancer Awareness Association (Ethnic African)
Asian American Health Initiative (Asian American)

School-based

Montgomery County Public Schools train teachers to provide the curriculum for Project TNT and Project Alert to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in 38 Middle Schools in the county.

In addition, the Caron Foundation works with youths who smoke to help them to develop a cessation strategy that works for them. The Community Health Consulting group empowers youth to become tobacco control advocates through after-school programs and partnerships with local school groups.

Through a partnership with Montgomery College, students are educated on the dangers of using tobacco products. The College will become a smoke free campus in the summer of 2008.

Cessation

In addition to promoting 1-800-Quit-Now, Montgomery County provides cessation support through it partners and within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Within the DHHS, residents of the county receive FREE nicotine replacement therapy, one-on-one, and group cessation therapy.

The following community partners offer culturally appropriate cessation programs:

Peoples Community Baptist Church/African American Health Program
Community Ministries of Rockville/CASA of Maryland
Latino American Health Program
Washington Adventist Healthcare (in-patient cessation support)

In addition, the DHHS has developed an initiative to address the cessation needs of young adults (18-24yrs). Through focus groups with smokers, former smokers, non- smokers, and individuals exposed to second hand smoke, the program has been designed to develop effective strategies for tobacco cessation for this age group. A study will focus on young adults who are not in college and will emphasize education on social justice issues as a tool to motivate young adults to quit.

Enforcement

Through the Montgomery County Board of Liquor License Commissioners and the License and Regulatory Department, Montgomery County conducts site checks for product placement compliance, checks merchant sales to youth, and inspects restaurants for compliance to the county's ban of smoking in restaurants and bars.

For more information on the Montgomery County Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation program, please contact Meaghan McHugh at 240-777-3895 or meaghan.mchugh@montgomerycountymd.gov.