2010101803 - TOBACCO Prevention Grant~pW N p
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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)