government. The firms are putting up their own money to prosecute the case -- no state money is
being forwarded to them. Sen. Peterson said she hoped that the funds would be used for adult
cessation programs.
3. Coordination of Tobacco Programs -- Mr. Andrews reviewed the coordination of tobacco education, prevention, cessation, and control programs in the state. He also reviewed
recent bills debated in the Legislature, including the recent cigarette tax bill which appropriates
$250,000 to a tobacco prevention and control media campaign targeted towards children. The
following speakers each addressed their roles in tobacco education, prevention, cessation, and
control; how they coordinate with each other; and how service delivery can be improved through
enhanced coordination and collaboration.
Dr. Joseph K. Miner, executive director, Utah County Health Department, and head of
the Association of Local Health Officers, explained that substance abuse is the major preventable
cause of disease. He noted that tax revenues provide education for youth. They also assist in
random unannounced inspections to reduce sales to underage consumers. Dr. Miner did not have
any recommendations for improving coordination of tobacco programs.
Ms. Barbara Hardy, director, Division of Substance Abuse Services for Salt Lake
County, explained that their services are subcontracted and focus on life and problem-solving
skills. They target children in fourth grade and up. She said the programs are voluntary. She
described the relationship between law enforcement, local departments of health and substance
abuse authorities as a triangle -- law enforcement has the authority to enforce compliance with laws relating to sales to minors, local health departments train merchants to comply with these laws, and local substance abuse authorities are accountable for and receive funding based on the results. She recommended that the sale to minors law focus on education and that the emphasis
be directed away from the store clerk to the store. Sen. Montgomery said his bill would address
these issues.
Mr. Verne Larsen, specialist, Services for At Risk Students, State Office of Education,
distributed a handout titled "Putting the Pieces Together" outlining the coordination of substance
abuse efforts in the education area. He said a survey has been done to determine if the
prevention programs are working. He said that repetition among programs is alright but
questioned whether there was too much of it. He said that the structure is in place for
coordination of tobacco programs, but that it can be improved.
Mr. Phil Bernal, Office of the Board of Regents, and
Ms. Dianne Casher, Salt Lake Community College,
addressed the committee. Ms. Casher said that there is a consortium to coordinate efforts on the college campuses. She noted there is a 4-percent increase in smoking
on college campuses. She said that funds were needed to train more volunteers and provide more
programs.
Mr. Richard Schwermer, Assistant Court Administrator, Administrative Office of the
Courts, explained that in the juvenile court system at least one judge has waived tobacco
penalties for participation in cessation programs. This flexibility does not exist for individuals
outside the juvenile court system. Mr. Schwermer indicated that judges would appreciate any
additional tools that could be provided them for dealing with tobacco. He said that anecdotal
evidence suggests waiving fines for participation in cessation programs is working.
Captain Tom Paul, Pleasant Grove Police Department, said his organization is
coordinating with the D.A.R.E. program and does sting operations. It also coordinates with
parent/teen programs.
Mr. Leon Povey, director, Division of Substance Abuse, Utah Department of Human
Services, distributed a handout titled "Talking Points for Legislative Interim Committee." He
said that the division's involvement in tobacco use is focused on primary prevention and early
intervention targeted to underage use. He added that 85 percent of the division's funds goes to
local substance abuse authorities. He added that there are studies done that confirm the success
of the programs. Mr. Povey said that he would support the addition of health and substance
abuse officials to the enforcement of the sales to minors law.
Ms. Christine Chalkley, manager, Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, Utah
Department of Health, distributed a packet and handout titled "Utah's Year 2000 Objectives for
Tobacco Prevention and Control. She said that the department evaluates its success with its
programs. She recommended an annually renewed license for the sale of tobacco. Ms. Chalkley
recommended: (1) implementation of legislation that would require high school guidance
counselors to use comprehensive guidance fundings for facilitating and evaluating Teen Tobacco
Reduction Programs; and (2) requiring that retail tobacco license fees be issued annually and that suspension and revocation provisions be added to the law.
Mr. Kevin Condra, Coalition for a Tobacco Free Utah, distributed a handout with
background, mission, objectives, and recommendations. He said that there needs to be more
collaboration between state/local health departments and state/local substance abuse providers.
He suggested legislative action for an annual tobacco retailer permit that can be suspended or
revoked when repeat sales of tobacco products occur. He also recommended legislative action
may be required to put tobacco products behind the counter and made available only through
clerk assisted sales.
Ms. Mary Lou Bozich, Substance Abuse Coordinator, Utah Substance Abuse and Anti-
violence Coordinating Council distributed two handouts on the duties of the coordinating council
and use of the tobacco tax. She indicated that the council will be focusing on the coordination of
tobacco programs this year.
Chair Tanner suggested that all providers need to evaluate their programs and determine
which ones are most effective and efficient.
4. Utah Health Policy Commission -- Mr. Patrick Johnson, executive director, Utah Health Policy Commission, distributed the commission's 1997 study agenda. He outlined the
technical advisory groups. He said that mental health issues are a priority along with long-term
care, substance abuse, and health insurance/cost. Additionally, medical education allocations
and rural health issues will be studied by study groups. He said the dieticians would like the
commission to study nutritional services. He said he would provide updated copies of
HealthPrint to the committee.
5. Privatization of Services -- Mr. Doug West, deputy director, Department of Human Services, distributed a memo from Director Robin Arnold-Williams outlining questions the
department would like answered and given direction on how to utilize privatization and how the
committee would like to participate in the process.
6. Adjournment--
MOTION: Rep. Davis moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:50 a.m. The motion passed unanimously. Reps. Carson, Hickman and Saunders were absent for the vote.