Learning Objectives: Describe the difference between increasing diversity and addressing disparities in state coalitions and programs to to describe the relationship between the two. List methods of identifying disparities when data is absent or limited. Explain how to implement a statewide disparities network with limited funding.
Abstract: This presentation is aimed at enabling poorly funded statewide coalitions and state programs to begin to address tobacco disparities. Rural and poor states have often been intimidated by the disparity programs of larger and better-funded states. In addition, smaller states often have limited data available about tobacco disparities.
With limited funding, New Mexico has been successful in creating a state-community partnership to involve specific communities in identifying and addressing disparities. In late 2000, the state Department of Health and the statewide policy coalition in New Mexico collaborated to create a network of ethnic and special populations aimed at addressing disparities. In its second year, with a budget of only $175,000, the network was successful in sponsoring a statewide disparities conference, creating three special population forums and offering mini-grants to communities to create plans to address disparities.
The statewide network has provided disparity training to all tobacco prevention and cessation providers, has visited rural communities around the state to increase their awareness of high rates of tobacco use among rural populations, and has partnered with other health-promotion programs such as the diabetes prevention program to increase understanding of the relation of tobacco to other health disparities.
In this workshop, participants will learn some of the methods used to promote awareness and action in affected communities. Practical information, sample materials, and successes and failures will be shared. Participants will leave the panel with the ability to begin the work that will ensure that health disparities caused by tobacco are eliminated.
Back to Addressing Disparities and Building Capacities in Diverse Communities
Back to Increasing Diversity/Eliminating Disparities
Back to The 2002 National Conference on Tobacco or Health