Stakeholder Discussion Series

FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products launched the Stakeholder Discussion Series in the Fall of 2010. These facilitated sessions are held across the United States and provide an opportunity for in-depth dialogue with representatives from various stakeholder groups affected by tobacco product regulation, including tobacco control advocates, regulated industry, and others (see list of first round groups below). Each session focuses on key topics specific to the primary stakeholder community present.

The goal of the series is to establish a two-way dialogue between CTP officials and important stakeholders. In order to ensure the opportunity for meaningful engagement, a limited number of individuals are invited to actively participate in the discussion. Additional representatives of the specific stakeholder group and other members of the public -- all of whom must register in advance -- have the opportunity to observe the meeting in person as space allows. Additional people may listen via phone.

A brief summary of discussion topics and meeting presentations are available four to six weeks after each meeting. A final report summarizing the first round of stakeholder meetings will be made publicly available in early 2012.

First Round Stakeholder Discussion Series Sessions Schedule

• State and Local Tobacco Control Officials - October 3, 2010
  Atlanta, GA
• Tobacco Manufacturers and Growers - December 8, 2010
  Raleigh, NC
• Minority Communities and Groups Affected by Tobacco-Related Health Disparities -
  February 8, 2011
  Oakland, CA
• Public Health Advocates - June 9, 2011
  Rockville, MD
• American Indians/Alaska Natives - June 28, 2011
  Gila River Indian Community (Phoenix, AZ)
• Distributors, Importers, Retailers, and Wholesalers - August 24, 2011
  Dallas, TX
• Youth - September 13, 2011 
  Boston, MA
  
  

In order to ensure the opportunity for meaningful engagement and dialogue between CTP officials and the specific stakeholder group, there will be a limited number of individuals invited to actively participate in the discussion.  Additional representatives of the specific group, as well as members of the public -- all of whom must register in advance -- will have the opportunity to observe the meeting at the site as space allows.  A conference line will also be provided for additional people to listen via phone.

Additional details regarding registration, agenda, exact locations, etc. will be posted on the CTP Web site as the sessions near.  A summary of key themes will be posted on the Center’s Web site approximately 30 days after each meeting.  A final report, summarizing all of the meetings, also will be made available at the conclusion of the first round of the Stakeholder Discussion Series.

As always, CTP welcomes inquiries and feedback on all tobacco-related activities. Below is a list of additional ways to contact and communicate with CTP.

• Via Email
  • Consumer questions: AskCTP@fda.hhs.gov
  • Tobacco industry questions: TobaccoIndustryQuestions@fda.hhs.gov
  • Small business industry questions: smallbiz.tobacco@fda.hhs.gov
  • Formal correspondence, speech, and meeting requests: ctpexecsec@fda.hhs.gov
• Via our Call center: 1-877-287-1373 (7:30 am to 6:00 pm Eastern)
• Via our Ombudsman, for complaints and disputes: Les.Weinstein@fda.hhs.gov or 301-796-9239
• Submitting comments on proposed rules, dockets, and guidance documents to CTP through the public comment process at www.regulations.gov
• Attending and participating in public meetings held by CTP, including the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC)
• Registering for weekly updates “This Week in CTP”