Jacob Delbridge is a second-year graduate student at the University of Washington, pursuing a Masters in Public Health with a focus in health systems and policy. In 2016, Jacob was awarded a Fellowship from the UW Tobacco Studies Program to conduct research and work in the field of tobacco prevention and control. In addition to his involvement with statewide efforts to reduce tobacco-related health disparities and youth access, Jacob studies global tobacco control initiatives with particular focus on the European intra-regional approach to combating the tobacco epidemic. Currently, Jacob is analyzing European Union-wide policies and legislation that address the regulation of tobacco products, advertising restrictions, taxation and illicit trade and smoke-free environments. Recognizing the cross-border nature of tobacco-related issues, the European Union implemented measures in 2016 that oversee the manufacture, advertising, sale, tracking and information disclosure of tobacco and vaping products. EU Member States and the European Commission are currently partners in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international treaty that is working to reduce the damaging health and economic impacts of tobacco consumption.
After seven years of formal study and living in Spain, Jacob is fluent in Spanish and eager to put it to good use. “I look forward to continuing to apply my language skills, public health knowledge, and health policy focus to reduce the tobacco-related health and economic burden throughout the European region.”
