Name of program: Rural Tobacco Education Program (RTEP)


What is the program’s goal? The goal of RTEP is to reduce the impact of tobacco on individuals and communities, to counter pro-tobacco influences, and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in rural Fresno County communities.


When was the program established at EOC? 1991


Who do you help (client base)? C ommunities throughout rural Fresno County; areas of focus are: low-income housing developments, packing sheds, and SWAP meets.


What are the eligibility requirements? None.


How many clients do you serve monthly/annually? The program tracks establishment of policies related to second-hand smoke exposure reduction rather than clients served.

Who is the current program manager? Martha Zarate


How many employees work for this program? 2


Where is your office / are your offices located? 1900 Mariposa Mall, Suite 201a, in downtown Fresno


Tell us about one of your “success stories.” Residents of multi-unit and public housing complexes in rural Fresno County were targeted for implementation of a policy to irradiate second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in their housing complex. In order to raise their knowledge of the dangers of SHS, educational presentations were provided along with a family night at the movies (“Noches de Cine”). The “Noches de Cine” event became so popular that the American Public Health Association accepted an abstract from program evaluator Vickie Krenz who also delivered an oral presentation at The American Public Health Association’s 134 th Annual Meeting and Exposition in Boston, MA. The title of the abstract is “Using ‘Noches de Cine’ for the adoption of smoke-free multi-unit and/or public housing complexes”.


Anything else you’d like to tell us about your program? Over the past 17 years, RTEP has established and maintained strong relationships with residents and local agencies (il.e., city/county governments, businesses, service delivery organizations, representatives of the housing industry, farmers, etc.) Our history of involvement in rural areas and RTEP’s presence in these communities enable the successful implementation of anti-tobacco policies and ensure compliance with existing laws.