20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Show-Me Health Anti-Tobacco Advocacy
Carolyn R. DeCarli*, Emily M. Krogmann, Ben S. Reine, and Joe A. Stauber
Dr. Carol Cox, Faculty Mentor
Because Missouri has the second-lowest cigarette tax in the country, it is not surprising that the state has one of the highest rates of smoking in the country. The cost for this habit is $2 billion a year in direct health care expenses. To help correct this health disparity, a Constitutional Amendment for the November 2006 ballot was created to increase the tax on tobacco from 17 to 80 cents. Gammans worked with Show-Me Health, an organization that works to educate the public on the prevalence of tobacco use and its impact on health in Missouri. Members of the Show-Me Health Partnership trained Gammans on how to implement comprehensive prevention, education, and cessation programs. Gammans had presentations to raise support and knowledge of the dangers of tobacco use. Grassroots support for the tax greatly increased in the community after Gammans’ presentations. Gammans received 19,000 signatures in support of the tax.
Keywords: Show-Me Health, Anti-Tobacco, Advocacy
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-27
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15 pm