Action Against Tobacco
The smoke-free movement has been strong and steady. We see cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco going smoke-free. Your city can be smoke-free too! Smoke-free cities are becoming more prevalent through out the nation. As we aim to strengthen the smoke-free initiative by supporting legislation at both the local and national levels. Medical students can make a difference by working with local politicians and by rallying support from the community members. She will also promote programs aimed at the prevention of tobacco use and education of effective cessation techniques.
The US has a long history of battling tobacco. We have made significant gains over this epidemic, but there is still much more needed. Almost a quarter of Americans still smoke. Many more are exposed to second hand smoke.
What can you do?
- Use our legislative action center to write letters to your representatives to pass legislation to ban smoking in public places
- Advocate and support smoke-free businesses in your community
- Help all patients with tobacco dependence to quit
- Talk to your younger patients about smoking
TOBACCO EDUCATION
- Tobacco Education Poster
A supplement to tobacco education programs, it is designed for medical students interested in teaching students in grades 4-5 about tobacco. - Tar Wars - Get involved with local elementary schools!
PATIENT CARE
ADVOCACY
- Support Smoke Free Communities!
CONSUMER CHOICES
- Support smoke-free establishments in your community! Let them know that your support their smoke-free policies. When at an establishment that is not smoke-free, let the management know that they have lost your business due to the second-hand smoke.
Find Smoke Free Establishments
- Download this Media Tool Kit and write a letter to the editor.
- Alternatively, she can help you lobby to make your community SmokeFree!
Organizing a State Lobby Day
How to be an AMSA Lobbyist
- Twelve states do not currently cover any form of tobacco dependence treatments: Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wyoming. If you are interested in expanding access in your state, contact the Tobacco Policy Coordinator!
AMSA EDUCATIONAL AND ACTIVIST RESOURCES
- Medical Student Activism: A Primer on Domestic and International Tobacco Control (PDF 122KB)
- Tobacco Use - Health Dialogues: A Tool to Help You and Your Patients Change Unhealthy Behavior (PDF 101KB)
- A Primer on Women and Tobacco: The Leading American Epidemic (PDF 93KB)
- Tobacco Control Action Packet (PDF 35KB)
- Tobacco Awareness Project (TAP): A Guide for Getting Started (PDF 100KB)
- Stamp out Smoking (PDF 129KB)
- Patient Tobacco Cessation Brochure (PDF 73KB)
- Comprehensive Tobacco Control Research Booklet (PDF 81KB)
Includes both website and book resources.