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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 3, 2004)
decentar 3.2004 • jU S t OWtj7 f7rnTTT7R?71neivs request for proposals has been issued by the Oregon Department of Human Services (O D H S) Tobacco Prevention and Education Program to fund capacity-building grants to organizations that work with G LB T people in Oregon. The grant currently funds $42,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year (to June 30, 2005), with inten tion to continue the contract at the rate of $50,000 per year. The general aims of the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program are to encourage ideas that work to cut the number of active smokers across the state. The program’s work includes advocating higher taxes on tobacco products, limiting access of minors to tobacco so that they never start smoking, limiting the general pub lic’s exposure to secondhand smoke, limiting tobacco marketing and providing support for those who want to quit. There have been radical changes in scx:iety’s attitudes toward tobacco in the past 20 years. Offi cials estimate that 1,800 lives and $450 million will he saved in Oregon as a result of these changes. Oregon’s Tobacco Prevention and Education Program is nationally recognized for its success es. Since the program’s inception in 1997, per M oney H elps F ags S top S moking F ags can research wind identify G LB T smokers, and conduct programming and intervention in at least two counties in Oregon. Although gener ally monies for tobacco education are earmarked for direct service, these grants are meant to pro vide training and technical assistance, with the help from the state agency. The money for these Oregon Department of Human Services to grant $ 5 0 ,0 0 0 grants comes partially from the Centers for Dis ease Control and Prevention, partially from the by Sarah Dougher 1996 tobacco tax and from the OREGON SMOKERS state, although funding for the capita tobacco consumption has been reduced Indians, African Americans, * General population: 21 percent program was cut by two-thirds by 29 percent— twice the national average— Latinos, and Asians and overall, with 23 percent male in the 2003 legislative session. and smoking prevalence in adults has been and 19 percent female. Pacific Islanders.) Program In terms of national programs reduced by 12 percent. This reduction is a result director Luci Longria charac * Gay/lesbian/bi population: 34 that serve G LB T people, the percent overall, with 42 percent C D C has recently identified of providing resources and support to local coali terizes tobacco use as both a male and 26 percent female. tions, school-based programs, public awarenesss public health as well as a disparities in health care, par (Not enough trans respondents and educational efforts, the Oregon Tobacco social justice issue. Although ticularly tobacco education for were available to get statistics.) Quit Line, tribal programs and other multi the public health model is the G LB T population, and has cultural projects. But there are still many specif utilized in establishing priori established a network based at ic populations who are targeted by tobacco com ties, the policies that are set and implemented the Orange County LG B T Community Center. panies and who smoke at a much higher rate work best when they reflect a good understand Oregon has the most complete data in the than the general public. ing of the community who is served, and what country for numbers of gay and lesbian smokers. O D H S has recognized certain populations in meanings and values these communities attach In Oregon’s general population, smoking preva Oregon that have increased tobacco use, among to tobacco use. Often populations targeted by lence is at 21 percent, with 23 percent male and them the G LB T community. (Other targeted tobacco companies lack other kinds of health 19 percent female. In the G LB (not enough T s populations include tribal and urban American and social justice advocacy. answered the survey to get accurate data) popu A successful example of the involvement of a lation, smoking prevalence in Oregon is 34 per population-specific organization in the field of cent overall, with 42 percent male and 26 per tobacco prevention and education comes from cent female. G LB Oregonians smoke at a much the partnership established between the Oregon higher rate than the general population, accord I didn't survive gay bashing Human Development Corporation and the ing to this 2003 preliminary data. so I could die from lung cancer. ODHS. Serving the Latino population on issues Watch the pages of Just Out for more infor of farm workers’ rights and job development, this mation about the request for proposals as they organization has a close relationship with the become available. I had to stop smoking. people it serves, and it understands what moti vates their clients to get involved with a quit For more information about TOBACCO smoking program. P revention an d E ixjcation for specific One of a series of images from the ad campaign sponsored by the Orange County GLBT Center. ODHS is setting its sights on granting capac Imputations , contact Luci Longoria at Go to MyGreatestEnemy.org to see more. ity-building funds to community partners who 5 0 i'8 7 2 '6 7 0 7 or lu a.longona@state.or.us. jn Forty years ago, a postage stamp was 44, there was a pay phone on every comer, and interest rates were low. One trend is back. It may be another 40 years before interest rates are this low again. Why wait? Call Bridgetown Realty to get the help you need. We're friendly, knowledgeable, and always looking for one more satisfied customer. 5 0 3 .2 8 7 .9 3 7 0 A IhiMtylNan* in firulh,\unc S in r /070 bridgetownrealty.com
