Studies have shown and treatment providers know that a large percentage of the client population use tobacco. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania joined 45 other states in the Master Settlement Agreement with the tobacco industry. Pennsylvania's share is estimated to $11 billion between the years 2000 and 2025. $41.4 million will be devoted to Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation this year.
Members are encouraged to go to the Department of Health web site and learn more about this new project. Click on Tobacco Settlement/Act 77, there you will find information about the initiatives and an application to become an approved provider.
Every county will have a lead agency to oversee the program. Thus far, 33 of the contractors are Single County Authorities. A list of the primary contractors is on the web site. The primary contractor will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating this service. Members interested in offering these important services are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Cessation Bible" Clinical Practice Guidelines: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. It can be obtained free of charge by calling the National Cancer Institute at 800-4-CANCER or on the web at www.cancer.gov.
The American Lung Association offers a training program on tobacco cessation and each county's lead agency will be aware of any other programs available in their community. An Info was sent out from PCPA on February 20 with the Medical Assistance Bulletin announcing the expansion of covered services for tobacco cessation drug products and tobacco cessation counseling services.
If you have any questions or need additional information contact Lynn Cooper at the Association.