Addressing Tobacco Use in Potter County, Texas: A Health Initiative

QUESTION

Discussion response needed:

Located in the central panhandle of Texas, Potter County has a population of approximately 116,000 people. The county is largely comprised of people between the ages of 18-65 (52.7%), white (40.2%) and hispanic (42.5%), with a median household income of $45,096 (United States Census Bureau, 2022). Potter County is ranked one of the least healthiest in the state of Texas receiving a ranking of 240 out of 245, 23% of the population has poor or fair health, and 22% smoke, which is above the state and national averages (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2023). Smoking is known to cause cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and accounts for over 20% of all deaths in the United States (ASH, 2023). With tobacco consumption on the rise, implementing a tobacco free initiative can improve the health of current Potter County residents and generations to come.

Project Statement:

    • 22% of adult population 18 years and older living in Potter County are smokers. This is both above the Texas average of 13% and the United States average of 16%.
    • 48% of high school students living in Potter County have smoked a cigarette in the past 30 days1.
    • Smoking is linked to poor health including chronic respiratory illnesses, cancer, and heart disease.
    • Average annual cost to city is $2.017 million in lost productivity and medical costs2.

Goal:

    • Decrease the prevalence of tobacco use in Potter County, Texas.
    • Decrease initiation of tobacco use among high school students.
    • Increase cessation education and available resources in the community.

Project Scope:

    • Adult smokers ages 18 years and older residing in Potter County.
    • High school students ages 15-18 residing in Potter County.

Out-of-Scope:

    • Non-smoker residents
    • Residents under the age of 15

Measures:

    • Current percentage of adult smokers 18 years and older
    • Current percentage of high school smokers ages 15-18
    • Number of resources available to community
    • Productivity and medical costs related to tobacco consumption

Deliverables:

Within 1 year:

    • Mass promote free tobacco cessation education offerings, tools, and resources in schools and the community.
    • Implement program for free physician referrals, medications, and counseling programs to participants interested in quitting tobacco use.
    • Promote NOT for Me online training program for teens provided by the American Lung Association in all high school in Potter County.

Sponsor:

    • City of Amarillo, Council Members

Team Leader:

    • City of Amarillo, Public Health – representative
    • Amarillo Independent School District – representative

Team Members:

    • Tobacco Free Amarillo – representative
    • City of Amarillo Public Health – representative
    • Amarillo Independent School District – representative

Team Facilitator:

    • TBD

ANSWER

Addressing Tobacco Use in Potter County, Texas: A Health Initiative

Introduction

Potter County, Texas, faces a significant public health challenge with a high prevalence of tobacco use among its residents. With 22% of adults and 48% of high school students being smokers, the county ranks among the least healthy in the state. Tobacco consumption is associated with various health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Moreover, the economic burden resulting from lost productivity and medical costs amounts to $2.017 million annually for the city. To improve the overall health of the community and future generations, a comprehensive tobacco-free initiative is proposed.

Project Statement

The project’s primary focus is to address the high prevalence of tobacco use in Potter County, Texas. With the adult smoking rate exceeding both state and national averages, urgent action is needed. Additionally, the high percentage of high school students who have smoked cigarettes within the past 30 days indicates a need to prevent tobacco initiation among young individuals. Smoking is known to be linked to various health issues, which impact the well-being of the community. Addressing this issue is essential to reduce the economic burden associated with tobacco consumption on both productivity and healthcare costs.

Goal

The overarching goal of the initiative is to decrease the prevalence of tobacco use in Potter County. By targeting adult smokers and implementing measures to prevent tobacco initiation among high school students, the project aims to create a healthier community. Additionally, increasing the availability of cessation education and resources will help individuals quit smoking successfully.

Project Scope

The primary focus of the initiative is on adult smokers aged 18 years and older and high school students aged 15-18 residing in Potter County. The targeted population encompasses the most at-risk groups for tobacco use.

Out-of-Scope

The initiative does not directly address non-smoker residents or individuals under the age of 15. While promoting a tobacco-free environment benefits all residents, the project’s main efforts are concentrated on current smokers and potential new smokers in the identified age groups.

Measures

The success of the initiative will be evaluated based on several key measures. These include monitoring the current percentage of adult smokers and high school smokers, as well as the number of available tobacco cessation resources in the community. Additionally, tracking the reduction in productivity and medical costs associated with tobacco use will provide insight into the program’s overall impact.

Deliverables

Within one year, the initiative will mass promote free tobacco cessation education and resources in schools and the community. Implementing a program offering free physician referrals, medications, and counseling to participants interested in quitting tobacco use will enhance the support available. Additionally, promoting the NOT for Me online training program for teens by the American Lung Association in all high schools will address tobacco initiation prevention among young individuals.

Sponsor, Team Leader, and Members

The City of Amarillo, represented by its Council Members, is the primary sponsor of the initiative. The City of Amarillo Public Health and Amarillo Independent School District will take on leadership roles as team leader and team members, respectively. Additionally, Tobacco Free Amarillo will contribute as a vital team member.

Conclusion

The proposed tobacco-free initiative in Potter County, Texas, holds the potential to transform the health of the community and future generations. By addressing the high prevalence of tobacco use and promoting cessation education, the project aligns with the goal of creating a healthier population. Collaboration among various organizations and community stakeholders is critical to successfully implement the initiative, ensuring that all individuals have access to resources and support to quit tobacco use and live healthier lives.

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