Evaluating and Improving the Sustainability of State-level Tobacco Control Programs in the United States

Program Sustainability Action Planning Training Project

The purpose of this study is to empirically develop, test, and disseminate sustainability training to improve the institutionalization of evidence-based state tobacco control (TC) programs, and thus, tobacco-related health outcomes.

This study defines program sustainability as the ability to maintain programming and its benefits over time.

The project builds upon the empirically-developed Program Sustainability Action Planning Model and Training Curricula. The training will incorporate experiential learning methods and includes: action planning workshops, development of action plans with measurable objectives to foster institutional changes, and technical assistance. The goal is to demonstrate change in sustainability outcomes in states who receive the Program Sustainability Action Planning Training compared to states that do not. After conclusion of the study, the sustainability training curriculum will be disseminated to all participating state TC programs. Additionally, the curriculum will be adapted for the use by any public health program in need of building sustainability capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All participants will be non-institutionalized adults ages 18 and older.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be involved in their state's tobacco control program and must be selected by their state's Program Manager to participate.