The Tobacco Control Program Elders Advisory Committee was established to advise the Rhode Island Department of Health and the staff of the RIIC Tobacco Program Initiative on issues related to Native Americans and tobacco use. The committee’s primary goals are to guide tobacco control and prevention activities for the RIIC; organize community members; provide culturally sensitive strategic planning; and produce a Tobacco Control Policy Statement for the Native American Community of Rhode Island.

The Elders Committee at the RIIC also serves as a support to our Youth Program. Our Elders provide guidance, advice and traditional cultural exchange with our young Native children.

Committee Members:

• Patricia Baptista
• John Pompey
• Patricia LaSalle
• Carole Brown
• Dawn Everlina Cox
• Dawn Dove
• Mike Gomes
• Deborah Moorehead
• O.J. Silas
• Frank Zerambo
• Judy Wills