Federal State Program Continues to Report a Dramatic Nationwide Drop in Tobacco Sales to Minors During the Past 11 Years

The national average of illegal tobacco sales to minors has dropped since the program’s inception from 40.1 percent in fiscal year 1997 to 10.5 percent in fiscal year 2007, accodring to SAMHSA. To learn more, view the Press Release and the Synar Rate Chart.

About the Synar Survey

Since 1998, CSCS has been contractually responsible for implementation of the annual statewide Synar Survey. This federally mandated scientific survey requires the recruitment, training, and supervision of local law enforcement agencies or independent law enforcement contractors in selected counties around the state. CSCS has contracted with these entities or individuals and has been responsible for ensuring that they accurately perform and report the results of the appropriate number of un-enforced controlled buys required by the survey protocol. In support of this effort, CSCS has developed the Synar Inspection Process Guide, which is revised and updated annually. This manual ensures that all survey procedures are followed in an accurate and timely fashion, even in the case of unplanned absence of project-critical staff.

CSCS is also responsible for processing the data that are collected by Synar contractors. CSCS has in place a Synar-dedicated database, developed in Microsoft Access, to process survey data in an efficient and timely manner. This database was specifically created to allow the user ease and speed in data entry, with the data entry form exactly replicating the original inspection form, a design is essential to minimizing data entry errors. The database also has the capability of generating interim reports and tables to facilitate data checking. After entry, the survey data are processed and sorted into a variety of reports and tables for accuracy checks. Upon completion of the data entry and checking process, the data are formatted to the funding agency’s exact specifications and exported to an Excel spreadsheet.

After completion of the Synar Survey, CSCS provides on-site training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in participating counties whose buy rate indicates a need for additional assistance and guidance.

For more Synar information contact:

Penny Harmonson
penny.harmonson@dshs.state.tx.us
(800) 832-9623, ext 6651
(512) 349-6651

Texas Department of State Health Services
Substance Abuse Services
www.dshs.state.tx.us