Tobacco Dependence Education for Staff and Clinicians at Behavioral Health Centers: Knowledge Gained and Lessons Learned by Delivery Modality

Smoking is the top preventable cause of death and disability in the U.S. About 14% of adults in Texas currently smoke, but the prevalence of smoking among behavioral health clientele ranges between 40-75%. The Taking Texas Tobacco Free (TTTF) program assists behavioral health clinics across Texas in the adoption of a multi-component program including education on tobacco dependence to all non- clinical staff and clinicians. This study contrasts two modalities for education delivery used in TTTF - face-to-face on-site education vs live webinar-based education via Zoom online video – with regard to knowledge gained by attendees and pros and cons of each.