Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) - Public Health Department (DEP)

Welcome to the official site of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's Tobacco Prevention & Education Program (TPEP).

In The News

E-Cigarette Update
Over the past few months several electronic cigarette kiosks have appeared in malls around California, including three malls here in Santa Clara County, and across the rest of the Country. E-cigarettes (as they are commonly known) are devices that simulate cigarettes and are currently being sold unregulated. Although the Food and Drug Administration has labeled e-cigarettes as a “new drug,” which requires an approval process, the agency has thus far declined to make a public statement requiring that sales of the product be stopped. Tobacco control advocates are calling for immediate action to have these products removed from the community.

Santa Clara County Health Officer, Dr. Fenstersheib, has released a Public Health Advisory to inform and advise local residents about the potential risks associated with E-cigarettes and calling for action.

Health Officer Advisory

After Public Health staff from Santa Clara and Alameda counties brought the issue to the attention of California State Senator Ellen Corbett, she put forth a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 8) calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban of e-cigarettes.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has submitted a letter of support to Senator Corbett’s office supporting the Resolution. Below is a copy of Resolution SJR 8, as well as the letter of support.

SJR 8

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Support Letter

For more information on this issue, please contact The Santa Clara County Public Health Tobacco Prevention and Education Program at 408-793-2740.

TPEP is part of the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health. The program is primarily funded through proposition 99 (The California Tobacco Tax Initiative). Health Educators who are centrally located educate Santa Clara County residents, young and old, about the hazards or tobacco use.