Evaluating community tobacco use prevention coalitions

The present project describes an objective evaluation system for tobacco use prevention coalitions in Mississippi. From in-person interviews with coalition leaders (N=29), telephone interviews with coalition members (N=183), information from monitors, and monthly reports, the evaluator rated each coalition from 5 (exceptional) to 1 (bad) on 24 criteria, then summed the scores to ascertain an actual overall letter grade for each coalition. Each coalition received the grade and specific suggestions for improvement. Coalitions graded D or D- were placed on probation, with 6 months to improve before funding was cut. The present scoring procedure allowed the tobacco prevention coalitions to have specific, detailed feedback about how to improve.