National Working Group for ACTTION

May 19, 2009
Letter from Diane Canova

Dear Partners,

 

Welcome to the second issue of the ACTTION Update – a monthly newsletter informing the members, endorsers and others interested in furthering the mission of the national Call for ACTTION (Access to Cessation Treatment of Tobacco In Our Nation). 

May 19, 2009
Call for ACTTION: Employer and Insurer Organizations to Host Webinar Series

On April 16, Partnership for Prevention convened high-level representatives from employer and insurer organizations – two key sectors in the Call for ACTTION’s mission to provide greater access to comprehensive cessation treatments to tobacco users looking to quit. The meeting was to elicit greater insights and commitments from the attendees on how best to communicate the Call for ACTTION recommendations to their members, partners and affiliates. Meeting participants agreed to co-host a series of Webinars to discuss relevant recommendations and showcase organizational successes in providing tobacco cessation coverage.

May 19, 2009
Calls to Quitlines Skyrocket in Wake of Tax Increase

Last month, the ACTTION Update reported on the April 1 federal tax increase on tobacco products, which raised the federal cigarette tax from 39 cents a pack to $1.01, and had the potential to lead more than a million U.S. smokers to quit. One organization that has seen first-hand the effect of this tax increase on tobacco users’ intent to quit is the North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC). We were able to talk with Linda Bailey, President and CEO of NAQC, to get the real picture of how quitlines have fared over the past six weeks.

May 31, 2009
World No Tobacco Day, Global Event

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) informs the public about the dangers of tobacco use and exposes the business practices of tobacco companies. The World Health Organization (WHO) created WNTD to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic. This year’s theme is “Tobacco Health Warnings” and throughout the year, WHO will encourage governments to adopt tobacco health warnings that meet all the criteria for maximal effectiveness, including that they cover more than half of the pack, appear on both the front and back of the pack and contain pictures. For more information, check out the WHO Web site. Share a comment below on what you are doing to support WNTD.

Jun 08, 2009
NAQC 2009 Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZ

This year’s North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) Annual Conference builds on the organization’s efforts to increase the understanding and measurement of quitline quality, as well as develop emerging and innovative practices. Attendees – which includes quitline funders, service providers, researchers and national partners – will discuss how they can work together to advance proven-practices and innovative approaches related to the promotion and delivery of quitline services; examine factors that impact quitline sustainability, quality and access to services; and promotion and intervention strategies for priority populations. For more information about quitline services or this conference, visit the NAQC Web site.

Jun 10, 2009
National Conference on Tobacco or Health, Phoenix, AZ

The National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) works to improve the effectiveness and reach of tobacco control activities in the United States. More than 3,000 attendees – including smoking cessation and tobacco control experts, public health leaders and advisors, researchers and policymakers – have the opportunity to learn the latest evidence of what works in tobacco control and how to apply current research findings; exchange valuable ideas and tips on how to improve tobacco control programs and activities; and identify resources they can contact following the conference. For more information about this conference, please the NCTOH Web site.  Share a comment below on your experience at the NCTOH.