The Chester County Tobacco Free Coalition (CCTFC) is a collaborative community effort dedicated to empowering youth and adults to live tobacco-free. The Coalition was started in May 1999 by the Chester County Health Department. Members now include hospitals, clinics, schools and universities, local health agencies, community organizations, government agencies and legislative representatives.

The CCTFC partners with tobacco service providers and tobacco-free coalitions across the region, including  the Southeastern Pennsylvania Tobacco Control Project.

Goals

To identify, coordinate and mobilize appropriate community resources in tobacco use prevention and cessation initiatives.

• To empower youth and adults with cessation and refusal skills.
• To provide opportunities to youth whereby they can participate in school and community-based efforts to discourage tobacco use.
• To increase awareness among tobacco merchants regarding tobacco sale regulations and the health consequences of tobacco use by youth.
• To raise public consciousness concerning: (1) the health and economic impacts of tobacco use: and (2) how tobacco products are marketed and sold to, as well as, used by youth.
• Advocate to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke pollution at schools, worksites, restaurants and community locations.
• Advocate to strengthen Pennsylvania laws regulating the marketing and distribution of tobacco products.

Accomplishments

• Published resource directory of tobacco-use prevention and cessation programs and distributed 2,000 copies in Chester County
• 100% Smoke-Free Restaurant Placemat Initiative
• 100% Chester County Smoke-Free Dining Guide (2002-2008) until the passage of the Clean Indoor Air Act that required all restaurants in the State to be smoke-free.
• Student/Parent Work Permit Initiative (2003 and 2008) in Chester County public school districts to educate children age 14-17 that work where tobacco products are sold and their parents about Pennsylvania’s Act 112 of 2002.
• Celebrated the 2007 Kick Butt’s Day with a “Visual Arts Contest” to encourage youth to use their creative talents and show their peers the harmful health effects of smoking or the positive outcomes from not smoking. Received over 50 entries from 4 local high schools.
• Celebrated the 2007 Great American Smoke Out by distributing over 150 Quit Kits to Chester County residents