Changing the Habit: State & Community Approaches to Tobacco Control with the National Behavioral Health Network for Tobacco and Cancer Control

Marilyn Carter, Ph.D., is the Health Education Director for Adapt – a regional provider of primary care, behavioral health care and prevention services in Southern Oregon. With more 15 years of experience in public health, health policy and systems change, Marilyn has led a number of initiatives to advance tobacco-free policies and strengthen the delivery of tobacco cessation interventions in clinical environments. Marilyn is committed to improving the health of rural Oregonians and received Oregon’s Maurine Neuberger award for her contribution to Oregon’s tobacco control movement.

Margaret Jaco Manecke, MSSW is a behavioral health professional who currently serves as Project Manager, Practice Improvement at the National Council for Behavioral Health. In this role, Margaret provides project management and other direct support to multiple practice improvement and leadership programs, including CDC-funded initiatives and the National Council’s public health portfolio. Ms. Manecke provides project direction and writing support for other federal and state grant proposals, and serves as the Project Manager for the CDC-funded National Behavioral Health Network for Tobacco & Cancer Control. Also at the National Council, Margaret previously served on the Mental Health First Aid team, providing critical support for the National Council’s premier mental health public education program. Prior to joining the National Council, Margaret served in various positions for behavioral health and advocacy organizations, including extensive work in the realms of affordable and public housing, Medicaid, and public policy analysis.

Sue McLain is a dedicated public health professional with over 19 years’ experience in public health. Sue has worked in tobacco prevention and control since 2011, overseeing tobacco free policy initiatives, program evaluation and media. Sue worked in global health and disease prevention in Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Botswana prior to joining the PA Department of Health. She received her Master of Public Health degree from Emory University.

Joanna Stoms is currently the Cancer Plan Manager for the Pa. Department of Health Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. She manages the comprehensive cancer coalition and oversees implementation of the cancer plan for Pa. She is co-chair of the Lung Cancer and Data Advisory workgroups for the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. She has a special interest in lung cancer as a result of her over 20 years’ experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She received both her Master’s in Public Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from Penn State University and earned her Certificate in Respiratory Therapy from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. She resides in Harrisburg, Pa. with her husband and two daughters.

Judy Ochs has served as the Director of the Division of Tobacco Prevention and Control at the Pennsylvania Department of Health for fifteen years. Prior to joining state government she devoted her career to the healthcare industry including work in a hospital system to develop and launch a Family Practice Residency program and assist in the hospital accreditation process. As part of the Public Health System she has embraced the core functions of public health and the ten essential services, and is honored to be part of today’s presentation that brings clarity to the core function of assurance and the essential service of helping people receive high-quality health services.