UC Davis Health
Cancer Center

tobacco-research-center

Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center

California’s tobacco policy

Tobacco use is linked to 30% of all cancer-related deaths and that’s why quitting tobacco is key to saving lives. In 2023, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center launched the first-ever Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center (TCPRC). The center is breaking new ground by bringing together academic researchers, community and advocacy organizations, and policy stakeholders to advance tobacco cessation

Our Partners:

  • American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network – advocacy lead
  • UCLA – health economics and tobacco policy expertise
  • UC Center Sacramento – policy stakeholder engagement facilitation

Our Focus: The “Four Cores”

  • Administration
  • Evaluation
  • Community
  • Training
  • Scientific 
  • Community Advisory Boards 

Leading the Way

California is a leader in public health strategies to lower the rates of tobacco use. However, health care systems and plans have been slow to prioritize tobacco cessation and provide insurance coverage. A 2021 tobacco cessation summit identified key areas to advance tobacco cessation in California. To support California’s aspirations toward a tobacco “Endgame” that maintains low levels of tobacco use, tobacco cessation is a key part of the plan.

Mission

The TCPRC's mission is to enhance healthcare access, promote excellence in healthcare delivery, facilitate community engagement, and achieve equity in health plan coverage by building capacity.

Goals

The TCPRC’s goals: 1) Generate evidence for tobacco cessation policies, 2) Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize policy impact, and 3) Develop a researcher pipeline for mission sustainability.

Partners
  • Elisa K. Tong, M.D., M.A.

    Elisa Tong, M.D., M.A.

    Elisa Tong is the TCPRC Director and Principal Investigator.  TCPRC organizational partners include American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network as the lead advocacy organization, UCLA for health economic and tobacco policy expertise, and UC Center Sacramento to facilitate policy stakeholder engagement. The TCPRC includes four Cores (Administration, Evaluation, Community, and Training) and Scientific and Community Advisory Boards. 

    View profile

Rapid Response Policy Projects

For the first two years, Rapid Response policy projects address key areas for existing and potential legislative policies for tobacco cessation. The four studies address health care access with community pharmacies, health care delivery with substance use disorder facilities, health care engagement on flavored tobacco product cessation, and health plan reform for coverage.

Training Opportunities

Check back soon for:

  • Pilot Grants
  • Graduate Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) Fellowships with UC Center Sacramento
  • Learning Series

Acknowledgements

TCPRC funding is by the California Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program.  GOLD Fellowships are funded by the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.