The BREATHE EASY ARKTEX (BEAT) TOBACCO CONTROL COALITION website is dedicated to help raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and secondhand smoke. Our site presents information about BEAT activities and links to other tobacco control web sites.

     BEAT Tobacco Control began as two separate coalitions for Texarkana, TX and Texarkana, AR. In 2002, UAMS AHEC-SW applied for funding from the Arkansas Department of Health for community-based tobacco prevention coalitions. This resulted in the merger of both coalitions to form BEAT Tobacco Control. Since that time, BEAT has worked to reduce the health and economic toll placed on the bi-state area due to tobacco use. In 2005, the city of Texarkana, TX adopted a smoke-free ordinance to prohibit smoking inside most public places. In 2006, the Arkansas legislature passed the Clean Indoor Air Act to prohibit smoking inside most public places.

     BEAT has also worked to establish teen-based coalitions in area schools known as Teens with the BEAT (TWTB). Currently, there are 14 active TWTB groups in southwest Arkansas. These groups provide peer-to-peer education about tobacco and work to ensure their campuses and communities are smoke-free/tobacco-free. 

Check out the American Lung Association State Report on Tobacco Laws:
Arkansas Laws | Texas Laws