In 2009, Worthy Institute received a grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Tobacco Education and Prevention to conduct a community assessment to address youth tobacco use.  The Worthy Institute, Youth Tobacco Prevention Program will expand the ability of individuals and communities to strengthen their health and health related infrastructure needs related to youth tobacco use, specifically among low income Latino youth.

The community assessment project focuses on asset-capacity problem solving.  The project utilizes strategic partnerships and coalitions at the local, state and national levels involving health providers, educators, and consumers.  Worthy Institute has extended a partnership invitation to various organizations across the Phoenix metro area to address the issue of tobacco use among teenagers.  Partnerships include City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation and Housing Departments, Phoenix Union High School District, City of Tolleson Parks and Recreation and many others.

The goals of the community assessment project include;

1.  To understand community members attitudes and knowledge about tobacco use among teens and adults

2.  Collect data to define problems, resources and strengths and weakness within the target geographic areas to address the needs and gaps that exist related to youth tobacco use.

3.  To establish a strong, effective community system for addressing issues related to youth tobacco use.

The project has established a Community Consortium in efforts to identify critical needs within the Latino community.  The primary goals of the Consortium include;

1.  Establish an expanded partnership of consumers, organizations and individuals to assess available resources

2.  Develop the capability to collect, evaluate and report data.

3.  Determine the readiness of the community for change.

4.  Identify existing resources in the community that provide culturally competent information and services that address youth tobacco use.

5.  Share information and resources across organizations and within the target community to eliminate tobacco related disparities.

Tobacco education and prevention programs continue to assess the impact that marketing has on tobacco use in Arizona.  Social environments continue to support efforts to shape a positive perception about smoking to youth.  Advertising campaigns that promote the use of tobacco products paint tobacco use to be glamorous, mature and rebellious giving young people a false perception of tobacco use while failing to educate young people about the affects of tobacco use on overall health.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said in a statement that most of the tobacco company money is spent on marketing in retail stores, which is effective at getting kids to smoke.  Specific legislation is being promoted to limit advertising to youth.  The City of Phoenix is the largest population based market in Arizona; therefore much of the commercial tobacco marketing is targeted in this area.  Community involvement in youth tobacco prevention efforts is important for a healthier Arizona.

For more information about the Worthy Institute, Youth Tobacco Prevention Program or information about participating in the project please contact us at (602)258-3300.