This week has been a real test of the Health Foundation's belief in sharing openly all of the public opinion polling data collected by our Health Issues Polls . I have received many calls from people on both sides of the issue, but especially calls from the smoking and liquor lobby thanking me for my groundbreaking work. They are also asking for more specifics about our poll that shows that Ohioans want the smoking ban in bars lifted.

First, let me set the record straight: our data show that Ohioans are split on support for the ban on smoking in bars. There is no great call to arms to repeal the ban based on our findings: 51% said they want to repeal the ban, 47% said they wanted to keep it in place. But the calls I've gotten from the public give me serious pause: How can I, a staff member of The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, an organization that has given over $14 million in grants to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in our region, be providing data to groups who want to encourage increased consumption of cigarettes?

My answer is transparency and reliability. The Health Foundation believes that we must provide high-quality, reliable, local public opinion data so people can make data-driven decisions. We know we cannot control public opinion, but understanding what people think is critical to the work that we do.

In order for the Health Foundation to be a legitimate source of high-quality, reliable data, we cannot just release the data we like best. This means that when we ask tough public opinion questions, we are not always going to get the answers that we hope for. But it is our responsibility to provide the data to the community.

One very important distinction that was not made in the media is the difference between public opinion data and research data. We used good polling techniques to obtain the opinions regarding smoking in bars, but that doesn't change the research data that shows that first- and second-hand smoke cause cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, and other cancers in people who smoke in a bar (or anywhere for that matter) and, because of the prolonged exposure, people who work in bars. The poll data show that the public is divided on whether or not people should be permitted to smoke in bars. The research data show clearly that smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and many other unpleasant or fatal illnesses.

Unfortunately, while the media chose to spin the spilt on support for the smoking ban in bars into a cry for repeal of the law they have missed other stories that I think are much more interesting:

• The majority of smokers support continued ban on smoking in restaurants and workplaces
• A third of Kentuckians are uninsured
• Most Ohioans and Kentuckians support mental health and substance abuse treatment over incarceration for non-violent offenders
• Most of Ohioans and Kentuckians support healthcare reform

In March 2010, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced their 10 Strategic Initiatives. As I read these over, I was reminded of how interwoven many of the problems that we face in our communities are. Employment and healthcare are linked, as we all know, but homelessness, addiction, returning military, trauma, and criminal justice are all connected to these issues as well. I have two reactions to all of this: despair and conviction. I am dismayed that all that we have done over the years seems to have had limited impact on these problems. But I am also convinced that we have the tools available to make an impact on the lives of individuals who have health and social concerns. Things can be different if we work together.

SAMHSA seems to be addressing some of these ills in a manner that makes sense...they are demanding collaboration across systems. A recently released request for applications for the Community Resilience and Recovery Initiative from SAMHSA requires the involvement of public leaders, behavioral health prevention and treatment providers, criminal justice systems, employment services, and veterans' services. Although it seems overwhelming to get everyone working together, I know that it can be done. I've seen it happen in some of the communities that we cover with our grants. And when everyone is working together, amazing things happen.

Think about what seems impossible in your community. Now, think about who has a stake in this problem. Start talking to them about what solutions might be. Share with them the strengths that you see in the community. Begin to gather a group. And if you need help getting started, call me.

Remember - "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead