State of Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau of Community Health Promotion

The staff at the Bureau of Community Health Promotion have been an essential link for First Breath with local public health departments, WIC providers, and community health centers. The Bureau’s existing relationships with prenatal care providers allowed First Breath to be easily integrated into offices and clinics around the state.

The Bureau’s staff have also provided ongoing technical assistance and training to First Breath sites across the state. Staff are involved in First Breath training sessions, both in planning the events and in educating prenatal care providers on topics including smoking cessation, epidemiology of women and smoking, and postpartum depression. The Bureau of Community Health Promotion continues to be involved with First Breath through the statewide expansion effort and will continue to be an important partner in this effort for years to come.

University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research & Intervention

The University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research & Intervention (CTRI) is a long-time friend of the WWHF. Our organization has partnered with CTRI to carry out nicotine patch distribution programs, youth education initiatives, and public awareness campaigns. In regard to First Breath, CTRI Outreach staff have become increasingly involved with the program in 2003. Outreach Specialists will make site visits to First Breath sites, assist with First Breath training sessions, and will provide local technical assistance as needed. The expertise and energy of the Outreach staff are a welcome addition to the First Breath team.