Tobacco Prevention and Control

Track Texas' Progress Toward a Smoke-Free State!

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:

1. Prevent tobacco use among young people.
2. Promote compliance and support adequate enforcement of federal, state and local tobacco laws.
3. Increase cessation among young people and adults.
4. Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
5. Reduce tobacco use among populations with the highest burden of tobacco-related health disparities.
6. Develop and maintain statewide capacity for comprehensive tobacco prevention and control.

File viewing information • Información de visualización de archivos

Current Reports

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

• Tobacco Prevention in Texas (PDF)
  Please note: This document is not fully ADA compliant. An accessible version is forthcoming. If you need assistance with this document in the interim, please write to penny.harmonson@dshs.state.tx.us with detailed information about your needs. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Want to Quit? Contact the American Cancer Society Quitline for free and confidential counseling services, support and information: 1-877-937-7848 TTY: 1-866-228-4327 You can also visit www.yesquit.com or click "Want to Quit?" on the left side of your screen for more information

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, free, and confidential telephone cessation counseling for Texans needing support or information in quitting tobacco use:
  • 1-877-937-7848
  • TTY: 1-866-228-4327
• 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 nine 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 and Control Coalition Program currently taking place in several areas throughout the state.

This page was last modified June 01, 2009