Page 35 - May 2023 Issue.indd

programs (Breast and Cervical Cancer, to create supportive environments for • In the past, tobacco companies
Colorectal Cancer, and Oral Cancer), people who smoke to begin a new quit handed out free cigarettes from
and our Tobacco Cessation/Prevention journey. mobile units, like an ice cream
Programs. Call our offi ce at 410-479- truck, in Black neighborhoods
Here are some facts about menthol to
8080.
get the conversation started: • Tobacco companies have
No Menthol Sunday sponsored Black events like
Menthol is a minty fl avor. Menthol the KOOL Jazz festival to gain
By Heather Grove, BSN, RN tobacco products are easier to use exposure

because the flavor masks the harshness.
Each year the Center for Black Health Menthol products are harder to quit. • The tobacco industry gives

and Equity encourages faith leaders money to Black leaders, civil
and communities to participate in No • 85% of Black people who smoke, rights organizations, and colleges
Menthol Sunday. One of the goals of smoke menthols – by paying people with power,
the campaign is to dedicate a Sunday • Kids and teens are more likely the tobacco companies continue
to educating people about smoking, to try menthol fl avored tobacco to be in charge
vaping, and the role of menthol and products

other fl avors. This year’s campaign The FDA does have the power to ban
• Smoking is still the leading cause menthol tobacco products. In April
takes place on Sunday, May 21.
of preventable death in the USA 2022 the FDA did propose a ban. Some
This year’s theme is “Focus on Victory, • Menthol is a social justice issue. states already have menthol bans.

Go Against the Grain”. It encourages • FDA regulates products like
folks to stand up against the tobacco • Marketing of menthols has food, drugs, cleaning products
industry and create healthy and been targeted heavily toward and cosmetics that pose a threat
just tobacco-free communities. It Black people through culturally to public safety or health. FDA
is an opportunity for transparent tailored advertising and
conversations and it creates a space discounts in Black communities

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