UMass Memorial Medical Center - Healthy Options for Prevention and Education (HOPE) Coalition

What is it?

HOPE Coalition, composed of inner-city teens representing Worcester youth organizations and high schools, wanted to minimize youth access and exposure to tobacco in Worcester through tighter regulation and distribution of tobacco permits, and by elimination of tobacco advertising in the community. The group undertook a comprehensive environmental approach - one focusing on the overall city environment including policy, regulatory, and advertising.

Who is it for?

Area teens interested in addressing public health issues that impact inner-city youth.

Why do they do it?

Nearly 25 percent of the adult population in Worcester smoke; 80 percent of smokers begin before the age of 18.

Impact

In May 2012, based on HOPE's research and advocacy, the city of Worcester voted to ban the sale of tobacco from all health care institutions - including pharmacies. Today, all stand-alone pharmacies, as well as those located in other stores, are completely tobacco free. Worcester also greatly reduced temporary outdoor tobacco advertising throughout the city.

Contact: Monica Lowell
Vice President, Community Relations
UMass Memorial Health Care
Telephone: 508-334-7640
E-mail: monica.lowell@umassmemorial.org