March 09 Newsletter

News and Updates…

2009 is definitely a year of change.  The economic troubles of our State could mean a drastic cut to funding for tobacco control community programs.  It is currently proposed that the 12.5% of the Tobacco Settlement Funds allocated for community programs be cut to 2%.  The Coalition and its partners have spent many hours talking with legislators and educating them on the long-term effects of such an action.  Unfortunately, HB1731 passed the House and crossed over to the Senate.  We will monitor Senate hearing notices in the coming weeks, and will be asking for your support as we work to protect tobacco settlement funds. If you would like to be included on the policy updates and call to e-action alerts click here.

We would like to share other news from around the nation and state:

Deadly in Pink: A new report issued by a coalition of public-health organizations says that Big Tobacco is targeting women and girls with aggressive marketing campaigns that only new legislation from Congress can help address. Download the full report “Deadly in Pink: Big Tobacco Steps Up Its Targeting of Women and Girls”

Kick Butts Day 2009:  The sixth annual Kick Butts Day was held on Friday, Feburary 27, 2009 with over 150 youth and 80 adults in attendance. Read the complete story. The event received lots of media attention including this clip from KGMB.

New Research: We are passing along an article sent by Join Together “Smoking Causes Immune System to Attack Lung Tissue, Researchers Say”

Federal Cigarette Tax Raised by 62-cents: On February 4, 2009 President Obama signed into law, a 62-cent increase in the federal cigarette tax, along with increases in other tobacco taxes, to fund expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The federal cigarette tax will increase to $1.01 per pack on March 31, 2009. Read More

“Make It Your Business”: Running a business–and keeping costs down–takes creativity and planning.  Read the Full Article.

Hawaii Public Health Association: We welcome HPHA as a member and sponsor of our 2009 Kick Butts Day.  The organization joined at the “Business Investor” level of $1,000.  HPHA members will be given discounts for CTFH training opportunities and meetings.  If you haven’t joined CTFH as a 2009 member, click here and join today!

Free Lung Test:  The COPD Coalition and Long’s Drug have teamed together to give free breathing tests from March-June 2009.  Click here for details.

May is Asthma Awareness Month: If you are planning an event and want to join with other communities around the Nation click here to check out  EPA, Communities in Action for Asthma Friendly Environments and add your event to the National calendar.

March 24 and 25 – The American Lung Association is holding a two-day workshop to become a certified ALAH “Freedom From Smoking” Facilitator . All spaces are already filled for this session but if there are enough people interested a second session can be added.  For more information dowload the flyer and agenda here.

March 25 — Developing Tobacco Cessation Health Education Materials–Hitting the Mark!  A three-part workshop offered by the Hawaii Primary Care Association. Click here for details.

March 26 — Not-for-Profit Management Certificate Program at Kapiolani Community College. Eight modules offered the first starts on March 26. Click here for details.

April 3 – Community Partnerships and Gathering: Access to Recovery Training–April 3, 2009. Click here for details.

May 20 – Save the Date! You will not want to miss the Coalition’s first ever pau hana fun event at the very popular Indigo Restaurant.