OPENING KEYNOTE: Responsible dissemination: Exploring the role of public health organizations regarding tobacco harm reduction

Public health organizations, both governmental and non-profit, have extraordinarily important roles disseminating – to the public, influencers, healthcare providers, policy makers and others – the most accurate, science-driven information to improve public health. Providing the most accurate and thorough information is an exceptional challenge because the scientific consensus is not always clear. At the same time, this challenge could also be influenced by a variety of other factors, including distrust of companies (nicotine, tobacco and perhaps any company), conscious or unconscious bias regarding harm reduction, the perceived need to meet funder requirements, etc. This presentation will discuss examples and challenges related to accurate dissemination of information by public health organizations and begin to explore ways to improve responsible dissemination of harm reduction information.