REDUCING TOBACCO CAUSED CANCERS IN SAN FRANCISCO
In San Francisco, we can reduce tobacco caused cancers by addressing the groups which use tobacco the most.
Anyone using tobacco products is at risk. However, young adults, low income communities, the homeless and people with mental illness have smoking rates are higher than the general population.
Recent Successes:
Menthol Ban passes in San Francisco, prompts other Bay Area Counties to follow suit!
latest research
Ling PM, Lisha NE, Neilands TB, Jordan JW. Join the Commune: A Controlled Study of Social Branding Influencers to Decrease Smoking Among Young Adult Hipsters. Am J Health Promot. 2020 Feb 20:890117120904917. doi: 10.1177/0890117120904917. [Epub ahead of print]
Engaging Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Smoking Cessation Through Large-Scale Community Service Events. Maya Vijayaraghavan, Dorie E Apollonio. Health Promot Pract, 20 (3), 325-327 May 2019
News:
Adult cigarette smoking is down, but tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer and cancer deaths in the U.S. Cancers linked to tobacco use make up 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed.
strategy: Coordinating action on tobacco control, especially in young adults, low income communities, the homeless and people with mental illness - where smoking rates are higher than the general population.
Here are are efforts and current results:
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Improve smoking intervention and increase smoking cessation among low income, high risk populations in San Francisco
This project aims to increase access to cessation services for shelter clientele who might be interested in quitting smoking and are unable to access care.
We have implemented the first phase of our program in 8 shelters and navigation centers, and trained 69 staff in basic smoking cessation counseling.
We have partnered with two shelters to participate in the second and third phases of the cessation medication assistance program, and have trained one champion at the Bayshore navigation center.
We have established contact and have partnered with one pharmacy that is willing to assist with on-site medication delivery for participants in the pilot program.
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Increase smoking cessation among young adults in San Francisco
We launched 56 Facebook smoking cessation groups enrolling 809 participants between November 2016 - 2019. This dramatically increased the number of young people accessing evidence-based smoking cessation about 10 times higher than the quitline. Of those who completed the program, 45% report successful quitting.
We are currently modifying the Facebook smoking cessation intervention to address the epidemic of youth vaping with partners at HopeLab and Rescue.
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Educate the public about the need for an ordinance that restricts selling and distributing menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products
The SFCAN Tobacco Caused Cancers Task Force was instrumental in the development of San Franciscoʻs city ordinance amending the Health Code to prohibit tobacco retailers from selling flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, in the city of San Francisco.
Since the ordinance was passed in San Francisco, many other Bay Area and state counties have followed suit.
In August 2020, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 793. SB 793 which prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco products, including vapes and menthol cigarettes.
The law holds the tobacco retailers, or their employees, responsible for the sale of flavored tobacco products. Individuals who possess them with the intent to sell also violate the law. The law does not criminalize an individual for purchasing, using or possessing flavored tobacco products for personal use.
news and publications
In the News:
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Governor Newsom Signs Landmark Bill, SB 793, to End the Retail Sale of Flavored Tobacco, December 8, 2020.
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Taking Science to Sacramento: UCSF Advances Health Policy in California, October 5, 2020.
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Gov Newsom signs Calif ban on sales of flavored tobacco products, August, 2020.
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Engaging Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Smoking Cessation Through Large-Scale Community Service, May 5, 2019
Recent Publications:
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Interventions to reduce tobacco use in people experiencing homelessness. Vijayaraghavan M, Elser H, Frazer K, Lindson N, Apollonio D. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD013413. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013413.pub2. [ read now ]
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Join the Commune: A Controlled Study of Social Branding Influencers to Decrease Smoking Among Young Adult Hipsters. Ling PM, Lisha NE, Neilands TB, Jordan JW. Am J Health Promot. 2020 Feb 20:890117120904917. doi: 10.1177/0890117120904917. Epub ahead of print [ Read Now ]
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Engaging Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Smoking Cessation Through Large-Scale Community Service Events. Maya Vijayaraghavan, Dorie E Apollonio. Health Promot Pract, 20 (3), 325-327 May 2019 [ read now ]
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California Department of Education
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San Francisco Department of Public Health
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San Francisco Tobacco Free Coalition
The San Francisco Tobacco Free Coalition has already established four key priorities that complement tobacco control activities underway at many organizations throughout San Francisco:
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Establish smoke-free multi-unit housing
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Reduce tobacco advertising on and in stores
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Reduce cigarette butt litter, a major contributor to the volume of toxic waste in our environment
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Limit access to flavored tobacco products, with a focus on countering the aggressive targeting of African American communities through menthol cigarette
TOBACCO CAUSED cancerS task force
partner organizations
