Topical Action Teams

Five Action Teams have been developed to provide NC Tobacco Prevention and Control grantees with support for specific program areas. Each of these Action Teams meets regularly to review scientific updates in their area of expertise and to locate, review, develop and distribute programs to meet the needs of North Carolina Tobacco Prevention and Control advocates.

Tobacco Free Schools Action Team

Mark Ezzell, Co-Chair
Philisa Parker, Co-Chair
Margaret Watkins
Jim Martin
Suzanne Depalma Morrison

Services Provided

• Identify target schools districts for passing TFS
• Promote 100% TFS policies
• Provide compliance training and tools
• Provide TFS web updates
• Assist with earned media coverage
• Provide tools and strategic planning for grantees
• Conduct TFS forums/training workshops

Cessation Action Team (Includes Spit Tobacco)

Margaret Watkins, Co-Chair (Spit Tobacco)
Donna Dayer, Co Chair
Tish Singletary
Philisa Parker
Eastern Program Consultant
Ann Houston Staples

Services Provided

• Promote Quitline
• Coordinate and implement 5As training
• Provide TA for earned media coverage
• Develop and Implement Quitline media promotions for adults
• Identify and promote promising cessation practices
• Design programs for potential subgroups
• Coordinate with NC STEP to provide education and training on spit tobacco

SHS Local Policy Action Team

Ann Houston Staples, Chair
Philisa Parker
Jim Martin
Elisabeth Constandy
Julea Steiner (EnTER)

Services Provided

• Promote smoke-free youth venues
• Promote smoke-free dining
• Develop and implement media promotions
• Assist with earned media coverage
• Support smoke-free policies and norms
• Conduct trainings on science and policy advocacy

Health Disparities Action Team

Delmonte Jefferson, Chair
Jim Martin
Ann Houston Staples
Mike Placona
Tish Singletary

Services Provided

• Provide program assistance to Priority Population grants
• Identify tobacco-related disparities
• Advise on tobacco-related disparities
• Integrate health disparities into all program areas
• Conduct training and consultation on health disparities
• Reach out to diverse involvement

Surveillance and Evaluation Action Team

Scott Proescholdbell, Chair
Mike Placona
Jim Martin
Rebecca Reeves
Marci Paul

Services Provided

• Provide and conduct training and TA on iPTS (indicator Program Tracking System)
• Provide updates on state and local data
• Collect statewide YTS data and disseminate results
• Plan for and disseminate other survey data (BRFSS and CHAMPS)
• Develop and promote new tools