Approach to addressing prenatal smoking in West Virginia

West Virginia faces health disparities and limited prenatal health resources, especially in at-risk areas. In an effort to augment prenatal smoking cessation resources in at-risk areas of the state, the "Health Education for Prenatal Providers in Appalachia" (HEPPA) based on the ACOG 5As intervention was developed and delivered to healthcare and social service providers in four contiguous counties with limited prenatal care resources to support a consistent message by interprofessional providers. The program evaluation indicated effectiveness in increasing the incorporation of prenatal smoking cessation into providers' interactions with pregnant clients. There is a need for continued and expanded efforts to facilitate access to health resources among various providers working in rural areas of the state.