Tobacco Evaluation Reports and Findings

Evaluation is a core component of the VTCP that informs program development, identifies opportunities for quality improvement, and aids in demonstrating impact of the program. The VTCP uses a participatory and utilization focused approach to evaluation guided by the CDC Framework for Program Evaluation.

Evaluation activities are informed by stakeholder input and intended to determine whom the VTCP is reaching, whether the program is doing what was intended, whether the program could be improved, and whether the program should be continued.  Evaluation activities are prioritized and defined in the VTCP’s 5-year Strategic Evaluation Plan, including:

  • What impact does the VTCP’s CounterBalance initiative have on point-of-sale policy change at the local and state levels?

  • To what extent has the VTCP expanded access to smoke-free multi-unit housing?

  • What impact has the VTCP had on cessation among Vermonters and target populations?

 
Examples of VTCP evaluations performed

Tobacco Program Strategic Evaluation Plan, 2015-2020

The Vermont Tobacco Control Program’s (VTCP) strategic evaluation and performance measurement plan lays out the rationale, general content, scope, and timing of the evaluations the program plans to conduct. The findings will inform improvements, funding decisions, and programmatic strategies to address tobacco disparities.  

Vermont Tobacco Control State Plan 2015-2020

Medicaid Tobacco Benefit Expansion and Promotion Initiative Evaluation Report

In collaboration with the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA), known as Medicaid in Vermont, the cessation benefit has been expanded to include brief and intensive cessation counseling. The Medicaid Tobacco Benefit Expansion and Promotion Initiative Evaluation Report informs stakeholders on the collaborative efforts between VDH and DVHA on strategies and progress-to-date for increasing utilization of the tobacco benefit.

Medicaid Tobacco Benefit Expansion and Promotion Initiative Summary Evaluation Report

Asthma- and Tobacco-Related Billing and Reimbursement Recommendations

Reducing Health Costs in Vermont through Cessation Supports

The evaluation brief Reducing Health Costs in Vermont through Comprehensive Cessation Coverage and Support outlines why health payers and systems in the state should invest in providing comprehensive cessation coverage. It describes available resources for health payers and systems to aid in their efforts to promote cessation among tobacco users.

2021 Vermont Local Opinion Leaders Survey

The Vermont Tobacco Control Program conducts the Local Opinion Leaders Survey every three years to gain the input of local decision makers on tobacco-related issues and items influencing state policy related to tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and opioids. Approximately, 350 local leaders, primarily in municipal government and some business leaders, participated. The survey findings help inform the Vermont Department of Health on relevant and viable policy options to pursue at the local and state levels, with the aim of preventing substance use and promoting health among Vermonters. This survey was fielded by Professional Data Analytics on behalf of the Health Department in Fall 2021. 

Down and Dirty Campaign Evaluation

The Tobacco Program aims to reduce use among populations that use tobacco at higher rates, including teens who identify as country. The Down and Dirty Campaign ran for four years as a tobacco-free social marketing brand and this evaluation by JSI documents associated outcomes.