Past, Present & Future
25 Years of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment TrustA Celebration of Health and Progress in Oklahoma
For 25 years, TSET has been a leader in funding programs designed to address Oklahoma’s most pressing health challenges. TSET recently expanded its impact through new initiatives, including TSET Discovery Grants, TSET Built Environment Grants, Targeted Achievement Grants and the TSET Successful Futures Program. TSET also provides grants to the Oklahoma State Department of Education for online health modules and funds Oklahoma State University’s expansion of Project ECHO, a rural health program. The OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center mobile lung cancer screening bus – launched in February 2025 thanks to $1.7 million from TSET — is an initiative that will provide access to life-saving screenings across the state.
Remember the celebration. Download event photos here.
25 Years of
A Landmark Case & the People’s Trust
46 states sign the Master Settlement Agreement with major tobacco companies restricting cigarette advertising and requiring ongoing payments. Oklahoma voters create TSET in 2000 as a permanent trust guaranteeing these funds would forever serve the health of Oklahomans.
Crafting a Strong Foundation
The TSET Board of Directors hold their first meeting, convened by Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson. With initial funds deposited, the Board develops a strategic plan to improve Oklahomans’ health by addressing tobacco use and other health issues.
Creating Healthy Change
TSET launches the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, reaching all 77 counties. TSET partners with the American Legacy Foundation to end youth smoking. By 2006, the Helpline offers free nicotine replacement therapy, TSET Communities of Excellence launches and youth smoking dramatically declines.
Building Success
TSET launches prevention education program Tobacco Stops With Me, funds research and helps Oklahoma jump to 13th in prevention funding. By 2012, TSET adds Shape Your Future, expands community grants, supports rural physicians and state properties become tobacco-free by executive order.
Making an Impact
Cigarette consumption drops from 108.1 to 71.3 packs per person from 2001. Oklahoma’s success appears in medical journals while TSET launches the Healthy Living Program. Oklahoma’s smoking rates fall 10x faster than comparable states, clinical trials begin and health-focused policies pass.
Strategic Growth
Creating a Healthier Future
TSET recently expanded its impact through new initiatives and continues to provide grants across the state. Through research, partnerships and programs, TSET lives up to its mission to create a healthier Oklahoma for generations to enjoy.
Programs
Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline
Created in 2003, the Helpline offers FREE cessation services to Oklahomans looking to live tobacco free, including patches, gum or lozenges.
Tobacco Stops With Me
A statewide campaign that provides a tobacco-free message for Oklahomans to rally around and inspires individuals to stir statewide change.
Shape Your Future
An intervention encouraging Oklahomans to eat better, move more, drink water and be tobacco free by making the healthy choice the easy choice.
TSET Healthy Youth Initiative
An initiative empowering youth to improve health outcomes for themselves and future generations by reducing tobacco use and obesity in their communities.
TSET Healthy Lifestyle Grants
These grants aim to prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease by reducing tobacco use and obesity on a local level.
TSET Healthy Systems Initiative
To address tobacco use and obesity, TSET provides grants to health systems throughout the state.
TSET Healthy Incentive Grants
TSET Healthy Incentive Grants for schools and communities are designed to encourage healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco-free lifestyles.
Research
TSET works to promote new scientific discoveries and increase access to cutting-edge cancer treatments, tobacco cessation and adult stem cell and regenerative medicine.