Comment from Utah Tobacco Free Alliance (UTFA)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - Docket No. CDC-2026-0628 The Utah Tobacco Free Alliance (UTFA) respectfully submits this comment in strong support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) requests for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to continue the collection of data to evaluate the Tips From Former Smokers (Tips) campaign. These data collection efforts are critical to sustaining effective, evidence-based tobacco control programs and advancing cessation outcomes at the national, state, and community levels. The Tips campaign has demonstrated significant value in motivating quit attempts, increasing awareness of tobacco-related harms, and promoting the use of evidence-based cessation services such as quitlines. Ongoing evaluation is essential to: •Assess campaign reach, frequency, and audience engagement •Evaluate effectiveness in driving quit attempts and behavior change •Ensure messaging remains clear, relevant, and culturally appropriate •Guide continuous improvement and responsible use of public resources In Utah, the Tips campaign amplifies state and local cessation efforts by reinforcing consistent, evidence-based messages and increasing demand for quitline services. Alignment with Utah Tobacco Free Alliance Goals The Utah Tobacco Free Alliance is committed to: •Preventing initiation of tobacco and nicotine use •Promoting cessation among youth and adults •Reducing tobacco-related health disparities •Supporting policies that create healthier, tobacco-free communities The Tips evaluation efforts directly supports these priorities by enabling: •Data-driven program planning and implementation •Targeted interventions for disproportionately affected populations •Measurable accountability and progress reporting •Effective public education and awareness strategies These systems are essential for ensuring that tobacco control efforts remain responsive, fair, and effective. Public Health Importance Tobacco use continues to be a leading preventable cause of disease and death. Maintaining robust, coordinated data systems and campaign evaluation efforts is essential to sustain reductions in tobacco use, address evolving product landscapes, including emerging nicotine products, and strengthen coordination across federal, state, and community partners. The continued collection of these data supports a comprehensive public health approach grounded in evidence and accountability. The Utah Tobacco Free Alliance strongly urges the Office of Management and Budget to approve CDC’s requests to continue the Tips From Former Smokers campaign evaluation. These efforts are foundational to effective tobacco cessation, public awareness, and long-term reductions in tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Respectfully, Utah Tobacco Free Alliance (UTFA)