Pajaro Valley Prevention (HEART- Health Equity Achievements Related to Tobacco

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About This Partner/Organization

Project HEART (Health Equity Achievements Related to Tobacco), administered by Pajaro Prevention and Student Assistance, Inc., addresses second-hand smoke exposure and access to cessation services among low SES, Latino residents of the Pajaro Valley in southern Santa Cruz County. The project includes three areas of focus. The first is smoke-free policies and the incorporation of tobacco control efforts at low-cost health and residential facilities that serve this population, including alcohol and drug treatment, mental health centers, as well as day or residential care for persons with developmental disabilities. The second is the adoption of smoke-free housing units at multi-unit housing complexes serving low SES individuals and families, with an emphasis on transitional housing including temporary housing, sober living environments and/or shelters. Project strategies include education and mobilization through high-profile community forums; presentations to inter-agency coordinating groups, managers, staff, clients and residents; training peer educators and facility staff to provide on-going cessation services; as well as media advocacy and technical assistance for policy adoption and implementation. The third objective concerns the adoption and implementation of policy, in at least one jurisdiction in Santa Cruz County, which will prohibit the sale of tobacco and tobacco related products, including Electronic Nicotine Delivery Devices (ENDDS) in pharmacies or retail/grocery stores with a pharmacy, licensed by the California State Board of Pharmacy.