Maryland Department of Health
Cigarette Restitution Fund Program

Local Public Health Component

Cancer Prevention, Education, Screening and Treatment Program

CRF Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program

Introduction and Purpose

The Cigarette Restitution Fund (CRF), established as a result of a multi-state settlement with the tobacco industry in 1998, provides the funding for this program. The legislation (Maryland General Health Article 13-1001- through 13-1014) directs the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene ( DHMH) to fund tobacco use prevention and cessation activities following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs) and the Task Force Report to End Smoking in Maryland.

The purpose of the Local Public Health Component (LPHC) is to maximize the effectiveness of tobacco use prevention and cessation initiatives in Maryland by authorizing Local Health Departments (LHDs) to develop programs in coordination with Community Health Coalitions (CHC) and DHMH. Local Health Department Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Initiatives address the four goal areas of the CRF Tobacco Program: 1) Preventing the initiation of tobacco use among young people; 2) Promoting quitting among adults and young people; 3) Eliminating exposure to environmental tobacco smoke; and 4) Identifying and eliminating the disparities related to tobacco use and its effects among different population groups.

The program elements that constitute the Local Public Health Component include:

  • Community Initiatives/Coalition Building
  • School-based Initiatives
  • Enforcement Initiatives
  • Cessation Initiatives
  • Administration

Community Health Coalitions

Each Local Health Officer (LHO) must document the demographics of the county Community Health Coalition (CHC) to ensure it reflects the diversity of the county. Health-General 13-1009 also recommends inclusion of local management boards, public school systems, hospitals, clinics, physicians, other health care providers, law enforcement, businesses, religious organizations, media, and institutions of higher learning. Representatives of community-based groups (including minority, rural, and medically underserved populations) and youth that are familiar with all communities and cultures in the county must be included.

Program Accomplishments - FY01 through FY10

Community Initiatives/Coalition Building

  • 17,428 advocates and community leaders were trained on smoking cessation programs and tobacco use prevention strategies.
  • 462 faith-based organizations were funded to incorporate tobacco prevention and cessation messages into various programs.
  • 712 minority organizations were funded by local health departments to conduct tobacco control activities in targeted communities.
  • 2,123,335 people were educated on tobacco use prevention and control in a variety of venues including local health departments, community outlets, and at faith-based and grassroots organizations.
  • 3,803 awareness campaigns were conducted in targeted communities for adults and youth.

School-based Initiatives

  • 10,824 teachers, nurses, daycare providers, and school administrators were trained on available tobacco use prevention and cessation curricula, programs and strategies.
  • 98,077 Pre-K students received multiple tobacco use prevention education sessions.
  • 2,149,404 K - 12 students received multiple tobacco use prevention education sessions.
  • 86,699 private school students were educated on tobacco use prevention
  • 210,820 college students received tobacco use prevention education on campus.
  • 309,435 students were reached with Peer Programs in schools.
  • 13,432 students received smoking cessation counseling and support at school.

Enforcement Initiatives

    • 49,298 tobacco retailer (stores) compliance checks were conducted.
  • 6,039 tobacco retailers (stores) were issued citations for sales to minors.
  • 6,394 youth were cited for illegal possession of tobacco products.
  • 833 product placement citations were issued.Smoking Cessation Initiatives
  • 7,862 nurses and health care providers were trained on various smoking cessation models and clinical guidelines.
  • 62,927 adults participated in smoking cessation classes and counseling sessions.
    • 29,232 received nicotine patches
    • 4,836 received Chantix, and
    • 1,304 received Zyban to support their quit attempt.
  • 3,373 pregnant women received smoking cessation counseling.

Behavior Change

Between 2000- 2008 Maryland made substantial progress in reducing the use of tobacco products by underage youth, adults and pregnant women.

  • 24.3% decrease in tobacco use among all youth
  • 25.1% decrease in tobacco use among all adults
  • 28.3% decrease in smoking among pregnant women

Between 2000- 2008 Maryland reduced heart disease mortality by 24%, from 260.1 per 100,000 to 196.7 per 100,000.