CNMI to get fed grants for anti-smoking campaign
The Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention has endorsed the CNMI’s application for a federal grant of its tobacco program amounting to $206,608, according to Health Secretary Kevin Villagomez.
In a letter sent to DPH by Karen Siener, MPH program consultant for the United States Office on Smoking and Health, CDC said the federal agency was impressed with the goals set up for CNMI’s Tobacco Comprehensive State Plan for 1999 to 2000 program year, including implementation of long-term health care services for citizens in the Northern Marianas.
Villagomez said his office is grateful for the federal agency’s support as tobacco use mortality and morbidity data among the indigenous population are high. A budget negotiation has been set between the DPH and CDC on Aug. 3 to finalize the amount and the schedule of grant awards for the CNMI.
Lung cancer among males, for example, already exceeded the rates of lung cancer mortality among males in the U.S. mainland. Other illnesses that can be partially attributed to cigarette smoking include coronary heart disease, heart attacks, chronic obstructive lung disease, emphysema, stroke and a variety of other cancers.
Villagomez noted that the recent legislative initiative signed by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio on March 31, 1999 is an example of the serious effort of the local government to collaborate efforts with the federal agency in solving these health problems.
A big portion of the first year funding will be devoted on building local capacity and infrastructure. This include hiring of personnel to carry out the program, earmarking funds to support training for the new personnel, and identifying funds for supply and equipment to develop health education and training materials for health promotion activities in schools, hospitals, clinics, among others.
The program will also focus on community health education, health promotion and consumer involvement on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
