|
Tobacco Control Program Newsletter |
|
May 19th is the 10th anniversary of No-Menthol Sunday. The event was started by the Center for Black Health and Equity to educate congregations and communities about predatory tobacco industry practices and the health impact of menthol cigarettes on African Americans.
Black Americans smoke menthols at more than twice the rate of white Americans, and 80% of Black youth who start smoking menthols become regular smokers. Studies show that compared to white youth, Black youth are exposed to more retail advertising and price discounts, both predictors of smoking initiation. Menthol increases smoking initiation and regular smoking; in addition, menthol is associated with reduced cessation success among Black smokers.Ā
|
|
|
Meet Our TCP Partners: Tau Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Piedmont Community Services, in collaboration with the Tau Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., secured funding from the Virginia Department of Health to conduct educational initiatives in the Martinsville-Henry County community regarding the impacts and hazards of tobacco use. The primary objective of this grant is to inform and reduce tobacco consumption among the African American population by at least 10 percent.
During the early stages of the grant, members of the local Omega chapter were actively engaging with the community but looked for more ways to let their voices be heard. The fraternity conducted a Clear The Smoke campaign which included media posts, commercials, and billboards strategically placed throughout the community. The campaign has been pivotal in the educational efforts and overall impact within the Martinsville-Henry County community.
|
|
The Hidden Burden: Menthol Cigarettes and the Impact on Black Communities
Menthol cigarettes have long been a staple in the smoking habits of many African American communities. One of the most concerning aspects of menthol cigarettes is their addictive nature. The minty flavoring can mask the harshness of tobacco, making it easier for individuals, especially young people, to start smoking and become addicted.Ā
Smoking rates are higher in Black communities compared to other racial groups. The tobacco industry has strategically targeted African Americans with aggressive marketing campaigns, sponsorships of cultural events, and advertisements in publications with large Black leaderships. The short film Black Lives/Black Lungs goes more into detail about these tactics which have contributed to the perpetual cycle of addiction and harm. Ā
The health consequences of menthol cigarettes are severe. Studies have indicated that menthol smokers are less likely to successfully quit smoking compared to non-menthol smokers. Menthol cigarettes may increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. The impact of these health disparities is felt acutely in Black communities, where rates of smoking-related illnesses are disproportionately high.Ā
|
|
|
Data Highlight
**NOTE: For this report, "current smoker" = cigarette user. Data are from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2022 Data Release, Division of Population Health Data, Virginia Department of Health. These data are estimates sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.
The line graph above shows the evolution in tobacco use types among those aged 18-24 years old in Virginia. In 2017, cigarette smoking was still the most common use type. E-cigarette use has overtaken cigarette smoking and continued to increase over the timespan shown. Smokeless tobacco use patterns have remained relatively consistent the last few years. However, itās important to acknowledge big tobaccoās resurgence in product development and marketing within this category that likely contributed to the 2022 increase.
Notice the uptick in cigarette smoking prevalence, rebounding from 3.51% in 2021 to nearly 5% in 2022. In recent years, much attention has been placed on education and messaging related to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products. Nonetheless, the increase in youth cigarette smoking should serve as an important reminder we still need to develop and disseminate messaging specific to each tobacco use type, including combustible tobacco products.
P.S. 2022 data is expected to make its debut on our Adult Tobacco Use Data Dashboard later this week!
|
|
Tobacco Control in the News
On May 1, FDAĀ announced theĀ issuance of warning lettersĀ to 14 online retailers for selling unauthorized e-cigarette products popular among youth. These warning letters cite the sale of disposable e-cigarette products marketed under popular brand names such as Elf Bar/EB Design, Esco Bars, Funky Republic, Hyde, Kang, Cali Bars, and Lost Mary.
 |
|
A federal court order requires tobacco companies to place ācorrective statementā signs in over 200,000 stores across the U.S. But a recent report found over 16% of stores are failing to display the signs!
See tobacco? Donāt see a corrective statement or see a blocked corrective statement? Submit a tip atĀ hereĀ or text (877) 749-8477.
|
The Commanders just announced that they will retire Darrell Green's No. 28 jersey this fall. He isn't just the GOAT on the field, but also for his work helping young people live healthy vape free lives. Watch and share Virginia's Pep Rallies for Health videos featuring Darrell Green. |
|
 |
Massachusetts has been a great leader in tobacco policy. Needham was the first town in the nation to implemented Tobacco 21, which is now a federal law. Multiple Massachusetts towns have since banned tobacco sales to anyone born after a fixed date, a law being considered in other states and countries. Learn more about the tobacco endgame and creating a Tobacco-Free Generation.
|
|
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
May 13th: Smoking from a far: The Dangers of Second and Third Hand Smoke -Learn what secondhand and thirdhand smoke is, how to prevent it, and the impacts it has on our health. The truth is that a nonsmoker can still be at risk for various cancers and infections due to secondhand and thirdhand smoke, so it is crucial to know what we can do to keep our health in our own hands. Register here.
May 16th: 10 Things Your Loved One Wishes You Knew about their Substance Use (But would never tell you) -Ā VCUās Rams in Recovery Tom Bannard leads us in a conversation on how to be an Ally to people in recovery, resources for substance use disorders, strategies for getting your loved one into treatment, and addiction and the brain. Register here.
|
May 22nd: Webinar on World No Tobacco Day 2024 -Ā In honor of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2024, CDC's Office on Smoking and Health (OSH) is excited to share information about this year's theme. Register here!Ā Ā
 |
|
TheĀ Quit & Stay Quit Monday Resisting the Urge to SmokeĀ package is a 9-week series designed to offer users a unique practice every Monday to help them overcome triggers, control cravings, and ultimately navigate a smoke-free life.
View our VDH TCP developed weekly messages here.
|
Please share with your partners!
|
|
|
Free help to quit tobacco.
Quit Coaches available for support.
|
|
Online education for adults.
A texting program for youth.
|
|
- Becoming a Tobacco Free Worksite,
- Referring your patients and clients proactively to Quit Now Virginia,
- Finding your local tobacco and nicotine coalition, or
- Scheduling a tobacco and nicotine related training for your staff or community.
|
|
|
|
|
