Other Announcements

General

Register for TTAC's Fundamentals of Evaluation web-based course
This winter, learn to develop an evaluation plan in the Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium’s (TTAC) Fundamentals of Evaluation web-based course for public health practitioners. This 12-week course guides participants through the evaluation process – from planning to reporting results. The course is instructor-led, and offers an interactive and engaging learning experience with visual aids, group discussion, self-assessments, and individual learning activities. This course is recommended for public health professionals planning, completing, or assisting with an evaluation; decision-makers responsible for selecting a professional evaluator; or anyone with a desire or need to gain a better understanding of the core concepts of evaluation and evaluation planning. The next course will be offered from January 22 – April 12, 2013. Click here for more information, or click here to register. Registration will close on January 11, 2013.

2013 Protecting Children and Families from Tobacco: Leadership Advocacy Training – Call for applications now open
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), American College of Physicians (ACP), and the American Medical Association (AMA) are seeking applications from members to be trained as physician leaders in tobacco control advocacy. The training will be held on April 26-27, 2013 in Washington, DC.  Applications are due on January 18, 2013. Read more about the training here.

I'm Your Community Guide! Contest
The Public Health Foundation (PHF) has announced the launch of the 2013 I'm Your Community Guide! Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for organizations using evidence-based recommendations from the Guide to Community Preventive Services (Community Guide) to share how they are doing so for a chance to win recognition for their organizations accomplishments. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments; community health coalitions; and others who have used the Community Guide in their organization and community to improve health and prevent disease are encouraged to enter. Learn more here. Submissions are being accepted through January 31, 2013.

New and improved global tobacco control website
The AAP Richmond Center has just relaunched its international tobacco control website with a fresh layout and new resources.  The page includes information on past workshops with PowerPoint Presentations available in both English and Spanish, key global publications, country-specific data for over forty countries across the globe, and much more. Click here to visit the website.

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FDA Announcements

Public comment opportunity: Respond to RJR's citizen petition on warning labels
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently accepting public comments on a citizen petition filed by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The tobacco company proposed in its petition a new rule that would change the textual warning label on smokeless tobacco products. By providing comments that reflect their knowledge and perspective on this issue, the public can encourage the FDA to make the protection of the public’s health a priority. There is no deadline to submit comments to this petition. However, as soon as the FDA takes action, it will stop accepting public comments. It is critically important to submit comments as soon as possible. Click here to view the petition. Click here to submit comments. Click here to read a comment submitted by several public health organizations including the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium that calls upon the FDA to deny RJR’s request.

Public comment opportunity: FDA reopens docket on graphic warning labels
The FDA Center for Tobacco Products has reopened a docket allowing the public to comment on its ongoing study of graphic warning labels for cigarette packaging and advertisements. Although the FDA's graphic warning rule has not been implemented because of ongoing litigation, the FDA will continue to study graphic warning labeling. Comments may be submitted through January 4, 2013. Click here to view this docket, #FDA-2012-N-0273.

Comment deadline extended: FDA Actions Related to Nicotine Replacement Therapies and Smoking-Cessation Products
The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research hosted a public hearing on December 17, 2012 to obtain comments from the public on FDA’s consideration of applicable approval mechanisms and additional indications for nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), and to request input on a report to Congress examining the regulation and development of innovative products and treatments for tobacco dependence. A docket has been opened for written comments from the public on this topic. The FDA will use this information to develop new NRT approval mechanisms and also to inform its report to Congress in April 2013. Click here for more details about the public hearing, here to download a copy of the request for comments, or here to submit a comment on FDA Docket ID# FDA-2012-N-1148. Comments must be submitted by January 16, 2013.

New form for reporting potential tobacco product violations
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) is providing the public and other stakeholders with another option for reporting potential violations of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (Tobacco Control Act) and related regulations with its new Potential Tobacco Product Violations Reporting form. The form provides an opportunity for the public and other stakeholders to report a variety of potential violations. By making it easier for anyone to report potential violations of the Tobacco Control Act and related regulations, FDA is better able to monitor compliance with the laws, help reduce the health burden of tobacco use on the American public, and protect America’s youth. Click here to read more and to access the Potential Tobacco Product Violations Form.

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