The goal of the BCAHL Tobacco Reduction Strategy is to implement activities that lead to changes in the BC population that will assist in the achievement of the BCAHL Target for 2010 that 9 out of 10 British Columbians will not smoke. This will result in 225,000 fewer smokers in BC.
Achieving this target will require the combined efforts of the BCAHL, other levels of government, NGOs and community organizations and advocates who support tobacco control in the province.
Following an extensive literature review and gap analysis, it was determined that the most effective strategy for decreasing the use of tobacco among British Columbians involves a comprehensive, province-wide approach targeted to 19-29 year olds. Young adults represent a significant gap in research and tobacco control programs, and have a tobacco prevalence rate that is much higher than the provincial average (average 27% compared to the provincial average of 18%).
To decrease tobacco use within the target population, three interrelated strategic initiatives have been identified. These initiatives focus on young adults in the workplace, at post-secondary institutions, and in community (home and social environments) settings.
