Perspectives from the front lines of tobacco control.

This research is designed to share valuable experiences and transferable principles from program staff of the Legacy/Community Voices initiative who have been involved in planning, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining tobacco control activities in underserved communities. Interviews were conducted with 13 front line staff from 9 sites: Alameda County, California; Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Ingham County, Michigan; Miami, Florida; New Mexico; North Carolina; Northern Manhattan; and West Virginia. A model emerged from these interviews that places the life cycle of a program in a central position, with many of the identified themes (working with local champions, obtaining support from multiple partners, increasing organizational capacity) repeated throughout, albeit in different forms at different stages. Reflecting upon wisdom gained and identifying best processes for such work may help ensure that tobacco control programs are developed that are culturally safe and effective in meeting the needs of diverse communities throughout the United States.

Guiding community-based public health planning in rural New Mexico.

For purposes of clarity in discussion, the work described in this article will be centered in Chaves County. The work of Turning Point in this county is organized through the Community Care Network, an organization representing more than 25 agencies and 100 individuals meeting monthly to provide the action framework for community-initiated programs. Through this collaboration, information is shared regarding the focus of agencies, funding for programming is sought through the most appropriate agency, and much of the competitive energy has been channeled into sharing of resources to write the best funding proposal and implement the best program when funding is obtained.