FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matthew Henderson
Health Promotion Council
Tel: 484 705-4732
Email: mhenderson@phmc.org
Marcia Perry Dix
Perry Media
Tel: 717-576-1899
Email: Marcia@perrymedia.com
Joey McCool Ryan
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Tel: 267-258-6735
Email: McCool@chop.edu
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Receives STAR Program Accreditation
March 31, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA – The Health Promotion Council (HPC) is proud to announce the accreditation of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) under the Smoking Treatment Accreditation & Recognition (STAR) program. This milestone, recognized in advance of the Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action on April 1, strengthens Greater Philadelphia’s tobacco cessation network, addressing the generational impact of smoking and the rising youth vaping crisis.
According to a recent report from the Philadelphia Department of Health, Philadelphia high school students experiment with and use e-cigarettes more than traditional cigarettes. Smoking is a learned habit shaped by social influences, routines, and environment—but with the right support, it can be changed.
Smoking often runs in families, shaping habits across generations. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 20.0% of children live with a smoking mother and 17.9% live with a smoking father. Children whose parents smoke are significantly more likely to become smokers themselves. Recent data highlights the urgency of intervention: 38% of Philadelphia youth have tried e-cigarettes, and 19% are current users. CHOP is tackling this crisis at its root by addressing the influence of caregivers and ensuring the entire household has access to tailored smoking cessation resources.
Matthew Henderson, Special Program Coordinator, who has been with the STAR program since its inception, emphasized the significance of this expansion. “Adding CHOP to the STAR-accredited network is a monumental achievement. This partnership not only strengthens our ability to address the youth vaping epidemic but also exemplifies the collective effort required to combat one of the most pressing public health challenges that persist through generations.”
This alarming trend calls for a shift in smoking norms. The best way to create a healthier future is to lead by example. CHOP has modernized primary care visits to address the influence caregivers have on the next generation. Additionally, tailored resources are available to help anyone in the household quit smoking, regardless of age. STAR is amplifying this innovative approach, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves.
Dr. Brian Jenssen, Associate Director of Clinical Impact, Clinical Futures, a CHOP Research Institute Center of Emphasis, and Medical Director, Value-Based Care for CHOP’s Care Network, reinforced the importance of CHOP’s new accreditation. “It's a privilege to help families nurture healthy habits. We're grateful for HPC's recognition of our Tobacco Treatment Platform, and we're dedicated to expanding access to this vital support for parents and children alike.”
Jamie Magee, Senior Director of Tobacco Prevention and Control Services for Health Promotion Council, spoke to the urgency of the issue. “It is clear that we have a problem, and that big tobacco continues to create products that appeal directly to teens. The youth vaping epidemic is a public health crisis that demands immediate action. With CHOP joining the STAR program, we are better equipped to combat this issue and provide life-saving resources to families across Southeast Pennsylvania.”
The STAR program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and managed by HPC, equips healthcare providers with best practices to address tobacco dependence. CHOP’s accreditation builds on a network of institutions dedicated to reducing tobacco-related harm, including Jefferson Health Lung Cancer Screening, Fox Chase Cancer Center, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.
Dr. Frank Leone, STAR Advisory Board Member and Director of Comprehensive Smoking Treatment Programs at Penn Medicine, emphasized the impact of CHOP’s involvement. “CHOP's accreditation through the STAR program is a pivotal step forward. By bringing world-class pediatric care together with evidence-based tobacco cessation practices, we are uniquely positioned to tackle the youth vaping epidemic head-on and protect future generations.”
For more information about STAR or HPC’s initiatives, please contact Matthew Henderson at mhenderson@phmc.org.
About Smoking Treatment Accreditation Recognition (STAR)
Smoking Treatment Accreditation & Recognition (STAR) is a tobacco dependence treatment accreditation program funded through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and managed by the Health Promotion Council, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. STAR’s mission is to support, recognize, and promote organizations that integrate comprehensive tobacco treatment into their existing healthcare workflow. STAR’s vision is to standardize best practices across Pennsylvania healthcare systems.
About Health Promotion Council (HPC)
The Health Promotion Council (HPC) promotes health, prevents and manages chronic disease, and serves vulnerable populations through community-based outreach, education, and advocacy. With over 40 years of experience, HPC specializes in chronic disease prevention and management, including asthma, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, nicotine addiction, and obesity. HPC reaches more than 20,000 people across Pennsylvania each year through direct service programs targeting health disparities, particularly among low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations. HPC is a subsidiary of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC).
