Rocky Mountain Center for Health Promotion and Education

The K-12 Tobacco Prevention Initiative

Funding to support Colorado’s tobacco prevention and control programs is made available through the passage of Amendment 35, the tobacco tax ballot initiative passed in November 2004 and HB05-1262, the enabling legislation for Amendment 35 signed into law on June 2, 2005.

With funding from the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP) at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), RMC administers grants and provides professional development opportunities for schools implementing the Essential Components of Tobacco Prevention for Schools. The RMC K-12 Tobacco Prevention Initiative is part of Colorado’s comprehensive statewide approach to address youth and young adult tobacco issues.

Essential Components of Effective Tobacco Prevention for Schools

Comprehensive school-based tobacco prevention programs include the following five essential components:

• Policy
• Classroom Instruction
• Cessation
• Parent and Family Involvement
• Community Linkages

These components are based on the Guidelines for School Health Programs to Prevent Tobacco Use and Addiction (published by the CDC) and the Oregon Health Division’s 2001 School Progress Report.   Professional development and evaluation are integral to the success of each component. 

Click here for a list of the Essential Components and Sample Activities (PDF, 122k).