HIGHLIGHTS OF

ORANGE COUNTY ON TRACK'S

TOBACCO-FREE COMMUNITIES PROJECT

IN SANTA ANA

From September 2001 to June 2005, On Track’s Tobacco-Free Communities project was very successful in the City of Santa Ana.  During those 4 years, the collaboration with various partners in Santa Ana facilitated a smooth and effective implementation of the various objectives. 

During the course of the project, Orange County On Track had paid subcontracts with: the Santa Ana Police Department, Santa Ana Unified School District, Santa Ana Parks & Recreation, Santa Ana College, and EMT Associates.

Following are the highlights of the community change that was accomplished during the four-year project.

  • Five (5) significant worksites adopted and implemented a policy that restricts outdoor smoking by entrances and other public areas.
  • Five (5) outdoor recreational facilities adopted and implemented a policy of having smoke-free outdoor areas or enlarged smoke free areas.
  • Thirteen (13) apartment complexes adopted a smoke-free policy that prohibits smoking anywhere on the property (with 5 having restrictions both indoors and outdoors).
  • There was a 71% increase in the number of stores that reduced their advertising to within legal limits.
  • Ten (10) retailers (all of which currently sell tobacco) adopted a policy to eliminate all tobacco advertising.
  • Eight (8) tobacco retail merchants reached a level of “5 Star” merchant.
  • There was more awareness regarding the fine for supplying tobacco to a minor, with over 80% of the baseline and follow-up sample noting their awareness of the fine.
  • On Track accomplished a 16% reduction in the number of stores willing to sell tobacco to minors.
  • Twenty-four (24) out of twenty-five (25) merchants surveyed voluntarily placed all tobacco products behind the counter or in a locked cabinet!
  • The number of calls made to the 1-866-NEW-LUNG cessation line doubled  by the end of the 4th year.
  • Twenty-two (22) medical offices significantly strengthened their tobacco cessation efforts.
  • One hundred and nine (109) health professionals and allied health professionals in the community have reported providing cessation materials and referrals to free cessation services to their patients.
  • Fifty-seven (57) high impact retail establishments and K-12 schools are now promoting community cessation services and the help-lines.
  • Twenty (20) students from Valley High School actively participated in the On Track Youth Task Force each year.
  • Two (2) beautiful anti-tobacco murals were painted at Valley High School.
  • The Youth Task Force Members participated in 59 tobacco-control activities throughout the third year alone, including:
  • Five (5) Youth Task Force members conducted the Deconstructing of Tobacco Ads (Media Literacy) presentation at Valley High School and CARR Intermediate.
    • Youth participants demonstrated a 14% increase in general awareness regarding media advocacy.
    • 13% of the youth felt more empowered in their ability to reduce tobacco youth amongst their peers.
  • Five (5) Youth Task Force members conducted their own version of the Tune Out Tobacco presentation for over 300 students at Valley High School during Red Ribbon Week.
  • Three (3) schools institutionalized 2 annual campus-wide anti-tobacco events.
  • Five (5) post-secondary education institutions increased their smoking restrictions on campus and are maintaining the promotion of cessation resources on campus.
  • Six (6) business establishments targeting 18-24 year olds are promoting and providing cessation services/resources to their employees and/or customers.
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