Tobacco Education Coalition

Proposition 99 also required that all counties form a community-based group to improve public health by reducing the use of tobacco products. As a result, the County created the Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) in 1989. The Coalition includes representatives from nonsmoking advocacy groups such as Breathe California, the Youth Leadership Institute, and the American Cancer Society, as well as the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and San Mateo County Office of Education. The Tobacco Prevention Program (TPP) also provides crucial support for the TEC's activities.

With the goals of raising public awareness, implementing a countywide tobacco control plan, and engaging the public, the TEC works with local governments to undertake the following initiatives:

  • Implementing smoke-free multiunit housing policies
  • Amending tobacco retail ordinances to broaden the definition of tobacco products
  • Eliminating tobacco sales in pharmacies and healthcare settings
  • Collaborating on a statewide healthy stores campaign
Back to top