Policies and Social Norms Create the Best Solution for Change in Arkansas
Since 2005, Arkansas has worked to protect the most vulnerable from secondhand smoke through statewide policies. However, smoking prevalence was not declining as expected. Working with 22 community groups providing technical assistance to bridge the gap between policy implementation and social norm change became Arkansas’ focus. The missing component in changing social norms and protecting residents was a message of wellness at the community level. By addressing social norms in the community, Arkansas decreased prevalence rates for both adult and youth alike.
Challenge
By 2010, Arkansas successfully implemented policies including protecting kids in cars from secondhand smoke (SHS), smoke-free medical grounds, increasing cigarette taxes and smoke-free college campuses demonstrating a decline in prevalence as expected. However, prevalence plateaued shortly thereafter resulting in a need to identify factors impeding success. Following a review of data points such as the number of stamps sold, cigarettes smoked per day, and quitline reach and utilization with community stakeholders, it was determined that those who used tobacco were “adjusting” to the laws but not seeking to quit. Furthermore, Arkansas lacked a comprehensive clean indoor air law. Nevertheless, those previously exposed to SHS were breathing fresh air and beginning to see tobacco as a non-issue. Developing strategies to foster community level social change became Arkansas' priority.
Solution
In Arkansas, strategies involving community level social norm changes required an adjustment in philosophy. That meant basing program decisions on data, requiring outcomes for projects and evaluating results. In addition, partners agreed to involve thought leaders in creating community change through policy development. Arkansas provided tools for project implementation, including workshops presented by national partners on policy development and engagement of youth in advocacy. Because of these efforts, youth involvement and community policies passed far exceed the FY16 goal and overall prevalence rates are lower.
Results
Collaborations with community-based partners have set the foundation for success. Arkansas has documented 126 tobacco-free policies protecting over 669,421 residents where they live, work and play. A diverse network of partners allows Arkansas to continue to build momentum, integrate tobacco free norms and sustain efforts. As a result, Arkansas’ prevalence rates are moving in the right direction. The adult smoking prevalence is down from 25.9% to 24.7% and the youth smoking prevalence rate saw its biggest drop from 19.1% to 15.7% (BRFSS 2014 and YRBS 2015).
Sustainable Success
Over the next four years, Arkansas will identify new partnerships and maintain current stakeholders in tobacco control efforts, in order to further create changes in social norms to support development of strong tobacco control policies. Arkansas will engage new and seasoned partners to carry the tobacco control message at local and statewide venues to those who are invested in improving the health of all Arkansans. By utilizing partners from all sectors with resources to help achieve their goals, Arkansas is integrating tobacco control policies. Tobacco-free policies will become common place, and Arkansas will become a leader once again in policies that prevent youth initiation, eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke and promote tobacco cessation.
Your Involvement is Key
Creating social norm changes through creating a culture of health around policy development requires involvement from not only diverse groups of partners, but also individuals to create the desired outcomes for a healthier Arkansas. Innovation is vital as we continue to move forward addressing challenges at the state level and individual level. If you would like to join our efforts, contact the Arkansas Tobacco Control Coalition at 501-353-4249 or by email at ARTCC@lung.org.
Contact
AR Tobacco Control Coalition
14524 Cantrell Rd, Suite 140
Little Rock, AR 72223
501-353-4249 phone
http://www.cleartheairarkansas.com/
Wooster Protects Citizens with Comprehensive Smoke Free Law
In June 2016, a City Council in Faulkner County became the first group of city leaders to pass a citywide comprehensive smoke free law. The law includes e-cigarettes and vaping indoors and outdoor areas. Congratulations to Wooster. This is a big step towards building a healthier community for all of Wooster’s citizens. Wooster is the first city in Arkansas to pass a comprehensive smoke-free measure since 2008, and the first city in Faulkner County to pass such an ordinance.
Mayor Terry Don Robinson’s remarks included the following statement, “I am proud our community is the first in Faulkner County to pass a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance. As the City of Wooster continues to grow, this ordinance ensures that all of our citizens are protected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke."
In Arkansas, strategies involving community level social norm changes required an adjustment in philosophy. That meant basing program decisions on data, requiring outcomes for projects and evaluating results. In addition, partners agreed to involve thought leaders in creating community change through policy development. Arkansas provided tools for project implementation, including workshops presented by national partners on policy development and engagement of youth in advocacy. Because of these efforts, youth involvement and community policies passed far exceed the FY16 goal and overall prevalence rates are lower.
Protecting all Arkansans from the effect of smoking, secondhand smoke and the use of electronic smoking devices and vapor products is a key objective of the Arkansas Tobacco Control Coalition and local Tobacco Prevention Coalitions around the state. Big thank you to all the volunteers that helped make this new ordinance a priority.