UW-CTRI's National Initiatives

Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center Program
In September 1999, UW-CTRI was selected as one of the seven Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Centers, becoming the UW-TTURC and focusing on the understanding and prevention of smoking relapse. In 2004, the UW-TTURC program began a new focus on tobacco treatment and outcomes, and this tobacco research continues.

The National Action Plan for Tobacco Cessation
In 2003, Dr. Michael Fiore, as chair of the Subcommittee on Tobacco Cessation, presented a bold, new plan to promote tobacco treatment and smoking cessation nationwide. Action on implementing this plan is continuing.

The Clinical Practice Guidelines
In 1996 and 2000 Clinical Practice Guidelines for treatment of tobacco dependence were published. For both, UW-CTRI was chosen to be the lead organization in directing the creation of the guidelines. The 2000 Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, was released June 27, 2000 and now serves as the gold standard for tobacco treatment.

Addressing Tobacco In Health Care
Over $3 million of research was undertaken in 1998 by 15 researcher/Managed Care Organization groups in a program directed by CTRI and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This research looks at systems changes that can be made to enhance tobacco treatment and promote smoking cessation. Another $4 million in research grants was awarded in 2001, funding 10 additional grantees.

New Medication Clinical Trials
Since its inception, UW-CTRI has conducted studies on new medications to help people quit smoking, paving the way for future tobacco treatments and healthier families.