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The Program has not yet been able to
measure its effectiveness in preventing kids from starting to smoke and
helping adults to quit. The report recommends several specific improvements
in the Program’s evaluation efforts, including developing a comprehensive
evaluation plan and obtaining tobacco-related information through
coordination with other entities. Also, better communication and
coordination of resources are needed between statewide and local efforts.
For instance, the Smokers’ Helpline needs to be informed about advertising
campaign activities so it can be prepared with adequate staff to answer
phone calls, and in turn the Helpline should refer callers to people in
local project offices who can help them to quit smoking. As part of its
efforts, the Program should use its Tobacco Use and Prevention Advisory
Committee. Finally, the Program needs to monitor local project expenditures
on administrative costs to determine how much of its monies are actually
spent on services to help smokers quit and prevent youth from starting.
However, before the Program can do that it will have to develop guidelines
for determining such costs and establishing appropriate reporting
requirements.
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