Overview of A Comprehensive Tobacco Center (ACT)

The ACT Center opened for business in 1999, supported by a grant from The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, a private, non-profit organization which is funded by tobacco settlement funds. The structure of this overall operation was developed by Karen M. Crews, DMD, Center Director, and Thomas J. Payne, PhD, Director of ACT Center Research. From the onset, the three core components - education, treatment, and research - were devised as tightly integrated entities to allow for an efficient, stimulating, and cost-effective approach towards the accomplishments of our mission and goals. For example, the clinic provides comprehensive treatment options, but also directs appropriate patients to relevant opportunities to participate in novel research-based interventions. The education program allows for unique opportunities to study healthcare provider behavior.

The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi has provided our primary funding to date, although revenues from extramural sources are increasing. The success of our broad-based initiative may be measured in many ways; the following points highlight some of our more important achievements.

• Approximately 40 employees
• Primary clinical services in high demand despite little formal advertising
• Implementation of an intervention program through the student health center at the University of Mississippi, Oxford campus
• Active healthcare provider training program reaching all types of providers, and training events often filled to capacity
• 8 ongoing protocols
• 2 ongoing clinical trials testing new medications
• Over 30 faculty collaborators
• Successful hosting of our first regional / national tobacco conference
• Regular (and increasing) presentations at national conferences
• Regular requests for speaking engagements, locally and nationally

The ACT Center has always been open to new opportunities to expand its efforts and agenda. A major direction involves our presence in the University of Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Center, which opened in 2003. This will allow for the expansion of our services to address cancer risk factors and patient management on a considerably broader basis. Another initiative is The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi's Tobacco Treatment Clinics in hospitals throughout the state. This project offers intensive assistance for overcoming tobacco addiction. Citizens of 12 communities and outlying areas are encouraged to participate. The program includes six treatment sessions, medications, and follow-up appointments, all at no charge to the participants.

The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi and the ACT Center have teamed to offer on-site cessation programs at 12 hospitals in convenient locations across Mississippi. This project offers intensive assistance for overcoming tobacco addiction. Citizens of all 12 communities and outlying areas are encouraged to participate. The program includes six treatment sessions, medications, and follow-up appointments, all at no charge to the participants.

Baptist Memorial Hospital - Booneville
Baptist Memorial Hospital - DeSoto
Baptist Memorial Hospital - North MS
Delta Regional Medical Center
Forrest General Hospital
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport
Natchez Regional Medical Center
North Mississippi Medical Center
Oktibbeha County Hospital
Riley Memorial Hospital
Singing River Hospital System
Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center