Sustainability of public health programs: the example of tobacco treatment services in Massachusetts

Nancy R. LaPelle, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Jane G. Zapka, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Judith K. Ockene, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Abstract

Sustaining important public or grant-funded services after initial funding is terminated is a major public health challenge. We investigated whether tobacco treatment services previously funded within a statewide tobacco control initiative could be sustained after state funding was terminated abruptly. We found that 2 key strategies-redefining the scope of services being offered and creative use of resources-were factors that determined whether some community agencies were able to sustain services at a much higher level than others after funding was discontinued. Understanding these strategies and developing them at a time when program funding is not being threatened is likely to increase program sustainability.