The Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program (MTCP) is dedicated to reducing the health and economic burden of tobacco use by:
- Preventing young people from starting to use tobacco and nicotine products
- Helping current tobacco and nicotine users quit
- Protecting children and adults from secondhand smoke
- Identifying and eliminating tobacco-related disparities
Overview
The MTCP is a statewide public health program focused on comprehensive approaches to reduce tobacco and nicotine use. Our mission is to reduce the health and economic burden of tobacco use by preventing young people from starting to smoke, helping current smokers to quit, protecting children and adults from secondhand smoke, and identifying and eliminating tobacco-related disparities.
This work supports the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s mission to prevent illness, injury, and premature death; assure access to high quality public health services; and promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.
MTCP is funded by both state and federal funds, which support statewide programs and partnerships.
We accomplish our work through a network of contracted agencies to provide technical assistance around local tobacco policy; smoke-free housing; communications; youth engagement; health equity; tobacco dependence in substance use and mental health treatment and recovery; tobacco treatment training and technical assistance to health care providers; and operation of the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline and Quitworks referral programs.
In addition, MTCP funds municipal boards of health to support enactment and enforcement of local tobacco regulations and regional Tobacco-Free Community Partnership programs that reside in community-based organizations and work with local boards of health and provide outreach and education to community organizations, health centers, housing authorities, educational institutions and the media.
Learn more about MTCP’s history and accomplishments, by viewing our timeline.