Clinic Gets $2.6M Grant to Fight Smoking
From San Diego Union Tribune
By Linda McIntosh
The Vista Community Clinic received a $2.6 million grant to bolster its efforts to fight tobacco-related disease among area Hispanic and Latino residents in North County and in neighboring Orange County.
The five-year grant from the California Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Control Program is slated to support the nonprofit clinic in its efforts to promote programs that help community members stop smoking and activities that discourage youths from smoking.
The funds are also earmarked for programs that educate the community about the dangers of secondhand smoke and how to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in places such as apartment complexes and trade schools. As part of the pilot project, clinic staff will receive training to help them educate the public on ways they can improve their health by quitting smoking.
The project is slated to include California Smokers’ Helpline materials and services.
The clinic is partnering with two other nonprofits on the project: SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) San Diego and America on Track based in Santa Ana, which provides resources and mentors for disadvantaged families.
The Vista Community Clinic operates out of seven locations in Vista and Oceanside, serving more than 57,000 North County residents. The clinic also runs two facilities in Riverside and Orange counties. Many of its community health education programs are free and open to all community members.
