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