Contributing Factors: 
Smoking and tobacco use are contributing factors for several adverse health conditions including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cigarette
smoking is the leading cause of preventable and premature death in the U.S., resulting in more than 480,000 deaths annually. (CDC, n.d.b). Youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use is a significant
public health concern and is associated with a wide range of academic, social, and health problems. Smoking and tobacco use primarily begin during adolescence and may lead to additional substance
abuse; nearly nine out of ten adult cigarette smokers smoked their first cigarette before age 19. (CDC, n.d.c).
Tobacco and Substance Use in Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County residents report high rates of tobacco use; about one in six adults smoke cigarettes and one in three adults report engaging in binge drinking. From 2013 to 2017 there were 103 alcohol impaired driving deaths in Stanislaus County, accounting for 32% of all motor vehicle crash deaths. In 2017, there were 85 hospitalizations, 179 emergency department visits, and 18 deaths related to opioid overdose in Stanislaus County. One in five persons experiencing homelessness report drug and alcohol abuse as the cause of their homelessness.
(Stanislaus County Health Services Agency, 2020).

Aegis Treatment Center
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS)
Central Valley Rural Legal Assistance California State University Stanislaus Doctor's Medical Center
HealthNet
Health Plan of San Joaquin
Law Enforcement Community Services Officers (CSOs)
Nirvana
Sheriff's Department Police Activities League (PAL)
Stanislaus County Juvenile Probation

Stanislaus County Health Services Agency Stanislaus County Office of Education
(SCOE)
Stanislaus Protection Health and Slamming Tobacco (PHAST) Youth Coalition
Stanislaus Recovery Center
Memorial Medical Center
Tobacco-Control Outreach and Prevention Services (TOPS) Coalition TOPS Coalition Smoking Cessation Action Team
UC Merced Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center

Educational campaign and outreach events: Raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. 

Adopting smoke-free Policies: To reduce secondhand smoke, enforce comprehensive smoke-free laws in workplaces, public spaces, and multi-unit housing. 

Policy campaigns and coalitions: Increases residence involvement in advocating for policies. 

Policy change: Develop policies to encourage prevention. 

Assessment: Conduct countywide landscape analysis to assess policy gaps and opportunities to integrate tobacco control and substance use policies.