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2010101803 - TOBACCO Prevention Grant~pW N p „~~ ~~3 ~G ASps DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT October 5, 2010 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL GREG CARSON, TOWN MANAGER MEETING DATE: 10/18/10 ITEM NO: AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR TOBACCO PREVENTION INITIATIVES FUNDS RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Town Manager to submit a grant application to the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department for Tobacco Prevention Initiatives Funds. BACKGROUND: In March 2010, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department (PHD) was awarded a $6.9 million, two-year grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The CPPW grant addresses policy, systems, and environmental change to decrease smoking prevalence, prevent youth access to tobacco products, and decrease exposure to secondhand smoke. According to the CDC, cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death in the United States. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure. HHS research also indicates that non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or at work increase their heart disease risk by 25% to 30% and their lung cancer risk by 20% to 30%. Youth access to tobacco and initiation of smoking is a public health concern. In Santa Clara County, the illegal sales of tobacco products to minors ranges by city from 6.3% to as high as 62.5%. The cost of smoking is an economic issue too. An estimated $380 million per year are spent in tobacco-related health care costs in Santa Clara County. The PHD has $450,000 available for cities to participate in its tobacco prevention initiatives. All cities are eligible for a base award of $15,000 plus an additional amount based on population; the estimated allocation to Los Gatos would be $18,360. With these funds, the PHD wishes for cities to strengthen city policies to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, limit tobacco sales to youth, and limit youth exposure to tobacco marketing through tobacco retail PREPARED BY: Regina A. es Director Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager ~~"Po~-m Attorney Clerk Admmrstrator ~ Finance Cornrnunity Development PAGE2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: GRANT APPLICATION FOR TOBACCO PREVENTION INITIATIVES FUNDS October 5, 2010 permits. In addition, resources such as tecluucal assistance, community outreach, and communication shategies are available to support cities' efforts. In order to participate in this funding opportunity, a work plan and budget must be submitted to the PHD by October 22. Any funds remaining after this deadline will be reallocated to the participating cities. DISCUSSION: Staff recommends that the Town apply for this funding, with the goal of using it for athree- pronged approach to tobacco prevention: policy, enforcement, and education. Policy. An evaluation of current Town policies on the subject of tobacco use and tobacco prevention would be conducted, and a plan for improvements to those policies would be developed and then implemented. Enforcement. A review of current enforcement efforts would be made. The review would include signage in public areas such as parks, and a plan for improvements to those enforcement efforts would be developed and implemented. Education. The Town would develop and implement a comprehensive education program, which could include working with local schools to supplement smoking education and smoking cessation efforts. CONCLUSION: Staff recommends that the Town Council authorize the Town Manager to submit a grant application to the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department for Tobacco Prevention Initiatives Funds. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The recommended action is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required FISCAL IMPACT: If the grant funds are received, a budget adjustment will be required in the amount of $18,360. These funds will be pass-through, as they are one-time funds restricted to use on tobacco prevention efforts. Distribution: Kathy Yu, County of Santa Clara Public Health Department (via email: katherine.yu@phd. sccgov.org)