Social Determinants of Health in Cancer Care (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
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Summary of 100% Smokefree State Laws and Population Protected by 100% U.S. Smokefree Laws
Bridging Sectors: Transformative Tobacco Prevention in Low SES Communities
Bridging Sectors: Transformative Tobacco Prevention in Low SES Communities (Bridging Sectors), a SelfMade Health Network (SMHN) Community of Practice (CoP) is more than a virtual collaborative learning space—it’s an initiative dedicated to addressing the complex and interconnected challenges faced by communities with low socioeconomic status (SES) characteristics that exacerbate the impact of commercial tobacco use. Bridging Sectors unites traditional partners like National and State Tobacco Control Programs (NTCP), tobacco prevention coalitions, and community-based organizations while uniquely engaging non-public health sectors such as social services and housing organizations. Together, we aim to create sustainable tobacco control efforts that promote healthier and safer conditions for communities with low socioeconomic status (SES) characteristics by integrating perspectives from sectors outside traditional public health agencies, developing a richer approach to tackling commercial tobacco use in these communities.
At the core of this initiative is a deep commitment to understanding and safeguarding the quality of life for individuals with low socioeconomic status characteristics who use tobacco or are exposed to the harmful effects of second/thirdhand smoke. We recognize that housing environments, access to quality healthcare, and insurance status are intricately connected to commercial tobacco use. Where people live, work, and play profoundly influences their health outcomes, particularly in low socioeconomic communities.
Bridging Sectors will operate over three years, with each year featuring a distinct cohort focusing on key intersections impacting tobacco use, tobacco cessation, and tobacco smoke exposure within low socioeconomic communities:
- Housing: Addressing housing as a crucial social determinant of health.
- Healthcare: Partnering with rural healthcare systems to tackle tobacco use and prevention with limited healthcare access.
- Payers: Focus on expanding access to affordable, evidence-based cessation treatments and services, addressing coverage gaps
The first cohort, “Housing for Health: An Evidence-Informed Approach to Addressing Housing and Commercial Tobacco Use: What Can Be Done?” will run from January 8, 2025, to July 23, 2025. Joining the CoP is designed to equip participants with evidence-informed strategies that tackle the interconnectedness between housing and commercial tobacco use. Whether you’re a representative from a public housing authority, a homeless shelter, or a tobacco control program, the CoP will provide you with the knowledge and tools to mitigate the health risks associated with second and third-hand smoke exposure in housing environments. Through group learning sessions, expert-led webinars, and tailored technical assistance, you’ll gain insights that can immediately be applied to improve housing conditions and promote healthier, tobacco-free communities.
By participating in this cohort, you and your organization will also strengthen its capacity to forge impactful partnerships across sectors. Engaging with housing organizations, social services agencies, and tobacco prevention coalitions will open the door to collaborative, cross-sector solutions that go beyond traditional public health approaches. As a result of being a part of this CoP, you’ll not only refine strategies and enhance your coalitions but also contribute to broader efforts that promote health equity. This cohort is an opportunity to become a trusted messenger in your community, empowering you to advocate for and implement sustainable, long-term improvements in housing and health for individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) characteristics.