Tobacco Prevention and Control

Want to Quit? Contact the American Cancer Society Quitline for free and confidential counseling services, support and information: 1-877-937-7848, visit www.yesquit.com, OR click "Want to Quit?" on the left side of your screen for more information.

The mission of DSHS Tobacco Prevention and Control is to reduce the health effects and economic toll tobacco has placed on the citizens of Texas. Major goals are:

• To eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke
• To promote tobacco cessation among adults and youth
• To prevent initiation of tobacco use by youth
• To identify and eliminate disparities among diverse/special populations

Program Updates

The FY08 Tobacco RFP can be found at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/bid_show.cfm?bidid=73051.

Current Reports

These reports present the most recent information on tobacco use, cessation, and prevention in Texas:

• Progress on Achieving Texas Tobacco Reduction Goals:
  A Report to the 80th Legislature 37 kb)

• Executive Summary, Texans and Tobacco:
  A Report to the 80th Legislature, January 2007 28 kb)

• Full report, Texans and Tobacco:
  A Report to the 80th Legislature, January 2007 445 kb)

Services

DSHS Tobacco Prevention and Control provides the following services:

• Technical assistance to community organizations, schools, worksites, health professionals, and law enforcement agencies on tobacco use prevention issues
• A clearinghouse of information on tobacco use prevention issues
• Media campaign to educate Texans about the dangers of tobacco use and the Texas Tobacco Law
• Assistance in conducting the Texas Youth Tobacco Survey which provides current data on youth tobacco use rates and trends
• Toll-free number for those who wish to request tobacco information or to report illegal tobacco sales to youth: 1-800-345-8647
• In partnership with the American Cancer Society, multi-lingual telephone cessation counseling for Texans needing support or information in quitting tobacco use: 1-877-937-7848 (The service is free and confidential.)
• Brochures and literature on various tobacco topics including cessation, secondhand smoke, spit tobacco, cigars, youth, worksite policy development, school resources, and multilingual resources
• Free loan of tobacco videos from the Texas Department of State Health Services Audiovisual Library. The DSHS audiovisual catalog includes numerous titles on all aspects of tobacco, including advertising and counter-marketing, health dangers and quitting. Click here to view available titles and ordering instructions in PDF format (150 kb, Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing - click here for viewing information)
• Information on tobacco prevention ordinances and laws
• Current research information and statistics
• Specialized web sites on tobacco prevention, education, and cessation

Functions

DSHS Tobacco Prevention and Control serves many roles in Texas tobacco prevention activities:

• Provides eight local tobacco control coordinators throughout the state through the Regional Partnership Program.
• Certifies instructors for the Texas Youth Tobacco Awareness program and maintains a current database of available instructors.
• Educates the public on the dangers of tobacco use and the Texas Tobacco Law through various media campaigns and activities.
• Collaborates with other state agencies and community organizations to create awareness and educate the public about tobacco prevention issues.
• Oversees Texas Tobacco Prevention Initiative activities currently taking place in Southeast Texas.

This page was last modified November 16, 2007