ATOD Legal Epidemiology: Comparing Policies Across Jurisdictions | High-Risk Alcohol Retail: Local Data, National Impact (2044.0)

Presenter: Maria Kovell

Sunday, November 2 | 2:30 – 4:00 PM

Ready-to-go alcoholic beverages pose significant public health and safety concerns for young people. The flavoring, packaging, pricing, and marketing of these beverages are particularly appealing to young people and can lead to risky drinking behaviors. Alcohol pricing policies are some of the most effective strategies for reducing alcohol-related harms. However, evaluating these policies requires information on current prices, particularly for products that afford the most alcohol for the lowest price. This presentation highlights insights from the Retail Alcohol Data (RAD) collaborative, which conducted nationwide retail assessments of high-risk alcohol product availability, pricing, and advertising.

Commercial Determinants of Health 2.0 (A collaborative session with International Health section) | The rise of the commercial cannabis industry and its implications for public health (4058.0)

Presenter: Jacob Delbridge

Tuesday, November 4 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM

This presentation component will explore the commercial determinants of health (CDH) as they relate to the cannabis industries sector, examining how marketing strategies, policy advocacy, and other business practices can influence public health impacts. This may include product availability, design, placement, pricing, and key advertising approaches, as well as the influencing of local, state, and federal regulatory authority. Recognizing that cannabis commercialization is relatively young compared to other consumer product industries, and given the distinct social and legal backdrop of cannabis, there remains diverse viewpoints around profit-driven motives and public health responsibilities. Furthermore, U.S. cannabis-related criminalization has deepened cycles of poverty and economic disinvestment and disenfranchisement. Many U.S. communities of color have faced significant harms due to mass incarceration, institutionalized racism, and disproportionately applied enforcement practices. Accordingly, it is important to evaluate the growing yet fragmented rollout of cannabis commercialization and corporatization and its impacts to public health, including on the social drivers of health.

Learn more about the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs section of APHA here.

As part of this work, Counter Tools developed an evidence-based point-of-sale activity guide designed for youth ages 13-19. The guide focused on the retail environment, which is where tobacco products are marketed and sold. Youth learned to identify tobacco industry tactics – such as greenwashing and targeted marketing – conduct retail environmental scans, engage in photovoice storytelling, and analyze the impact of tobacco retailer density and proximity. The activities were designed to help youth investigate the presence and influence of tobacco in their communities and communicate their findings to local leaders.

TB10 youth also participated in hands-on training that equipped them with tools to analyze retail disparities, connect tobacco retail marketing with health outcomes, share their perspectives, and engage in community advocacy. Through these sessions, youth gained the skills and confidence to speak about tobacco’s local influence. Adult advisors were also equipped to support youth in their advocacy journeys through tailored training.

“Working with Counter Tools this year was a pivotal partnership for our tobacco prevention efforts through TB10. Their support during our hybrid/Baltimore environmental scan helped youth identify and analyze retail tobacco disparities with confidence and purpose. Counter Tools’ guidance made data collection approachable and actionable, while also creating an inclusive space that centered youth voice and leadership. Their partnership brought both professionalism and heart to our work—deepening the impact of TB10’s mission to build healthier, tobacco-free communities.”

-Leslie Ortiz-Cadwallader, Youth Tobacco Prevention Program Manager, CADCA

Counter Tools is grateful to have played a role in this effort. As the partnership comes to a close, we’re proud of the momentum and capacity built and look forward to seeing TB10 youth continue to lead the way in building healthier retail environments across Maryland.

The Project Director provides timely and high-quality project management, training, and technical assistance to Counter Tools client-partners working to advance place-based public health. Their national perspective and expertise strengthens Counter Tools’ position as a trusted thought leader and advances the field.

If you have…

• A demonstrated ability to manage complex, multifaceted projects resulting in measurable success
• Assertive and concise verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Experience in public health policy, systems, and environmental change
• A demonstrated ability to translate public health data for a variety of audiences
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and collaboration
• A commitment to and passion for Counter Tools’ mission and values
• A genuine interest in place-based public health and health equity for all populations
• Exceptional customer service skills

…we want to hear from you!

Location: This is a remote position. The position will require travel to client-partner states as needed and to Raleigh, NC at least once per year. Remote employees must provide internet, phone, and an appropriate place to work while in their remote location of choice.

Salary and benefits: Salary range of $58-72,000; health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, health spending account, paid time off, and a 401K plan.

Download the PDF: Project Director position

To apply, please send your resume, a letter expressing your interest, and a 1-3-page writing sample to Maria Julian at maria@countertools.org. Applications are due by 5:00 pm Eastern on Friday, February 23, 2024. We will begin inviting applicants to interview as soon as applications are received.

Counter Tools mapped the retailers required to participate by zip code across the country and the relative density of retailers required to post corrective statements by state.  Check it out here.

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According to the CDC, there are over 375,000 tobacco retailers in the U.S. Areas with higher tobacco retailer density experience higher tobacco consumption rates, decreased quit attempts among adults who want to quit smoking, and higher youth initiation rates.

This webinar will provide a background into the tobacco retailer environment, what tools are available to assess the tobacco retailer environment, and how to engage with stakeholders in the tobacco retailer environment to reduce tobacco related disparities. Speakers will include representatives from NACCHO, Counter Tools, and the Chesterfield Community Service Board in Chesterfield, Virginia. Click here to register.