Extinguishing the tobacco epidemic in Texas

TEXAS KEY FACTS In 2015, 31.4% of U.S. high school youth reported currently using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Among U.S. high school youth, 10.8% reported currently smoking cigarettes. PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO TOBACCO USE IN TEXAS Many Community Health Workers (CHW) in Texas work along the border region of the state where many newly immigrated people from across Central and South America are living. Although initial smoking rates can be low in these communities, once people immigrate into the U.S., smoking rates begin to rise. Having CHWs screen and refer tobacco users to the quitline is a critical step in promoting healthy behaviors among this underserved population. To increase quitting, Texas is working with Texas A&M University to incorporate tobacco screening and referral training into CHW certification and is developing continuing education units for CHWs on tobacco screening and cessation referrals. Texas is also working with the University of Texas at Austin to develop and disseminate a telephone app specifically for CHWs to give them the tools they need in the field to educate individuals about tobacco use and make referrals for cessation services. For more information on tobacco prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/tobacco.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection