group of diverse people

Multicultural Tobacco-Free Coalition

Addresses tobacco-related disparities to improve the health of our community.

The Multicultural Tobacco-Free Coalition works to ensure that all people in our community, regardless of race/ethnicity, age, income, or identity, have an equal chance to breathe clean air and are free from overexposure to commercial tobacco products. 

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease and the primary cause of many chronic diseases in Mecklenburg County. The tobacco industry has intentionally targeted historically marginalized groups with predatory marketing, contributing to tobacco-related health disparities in the following communities:

•    Black/African Americans 
•    Hispanic/Latinos
•    Native Americans
•    LGBTQ+ Individuals
•    Low income / Low Educated Individuals
•    People with Behavioral Health Conditions

Goals

Raise awareness about the harmful effects of commercial tobacco use.

Educate about the predatory marketing of menthol and flavored cigars in historically marginalized communities, especially in Black and Brown communities.

Explore policy changes at the local and state level.

Assess avenues for enhancing culturally tailored tobacco treatment.

Build an informed network of advocates starting with a 5-part training series provided by The Center for Black Health & Equity.

Workgroups

The Coalition includes four workgroups that are dedicated to reduce tobacco’s toll among priority populations in Mecklenburg County.

  • Education/Community Mobilization

    Multi-ethnic audience sitting in a row and making notes while listening to presentation at conference hall. Selective focus. Horizontal shot. Side view

    Responsible for educating the community about the harms of tobacco use, quit resources, and developing community support for tobacco-free policies and interventions that address tobacco disparities.

  • Data

    Many types of charts and graphs

    Responsible for identifying existing or creating data sources to determine the impact of tobacco and menthol/flavor use on overall community. 

  • Policy Advocacy

    Diverse group of busines professional in a meeting

    Responsible for exploring policy and advocacy opportunities at the local and state level to promote tobacco-free communities. 

  • Tobacco Use Treatment

    HLT Man Nicotine Patch Tobacco Free

    Responsible for identifying existing cessation resources, providing trainings on evidence-based strategies for tobacco cessation, contributing to the promotion of cessation resources and recruiting healthcare providers to join the coalition.

Hand holding a paper sheet with no smoking sign over a crowded street public place background. Forbidden area zone, restrictive symbol stop smoke.

The Quit Journey

Read the QCity Metro article about our coalition featuring Maurice Robinson’s personal story with commercial tobacco use and his quit journey. Maurice is a community leader in the Inlivian Community where he resides and is passionate about reducing the harms caused by commercial tobacco and helping people quit.

Maurice's Story

Membership

Membership includes a commitment to the Coalition by joining one of the workgroups, attending monthly meetings and actively responding to planning emails (approx. 2-3 hours per month). Supporters are individuals that are unable to join the Coalition as members but will help us spread the word about the coalition.

Become a Tobacco-Free Champion
A diverse group of smiling adults standing against a white background.

Who Uses Menthol Tobacco

The following stats are provided by the 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health.

The percentage of adult smokers who report using menthol tobacco.

81%

Black/African American Adults

51%

Hispanic/Latino Adults

54%

LGBTQ+

33%

White Adults

Tobacco Disparities in Mecklenburg County

Groups impacted more by tobacco include communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals and those with low income. The following chart highlights adult tobacco use in Mecklenburg County based on information collected by the 2023 Mecklenburg County Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey.

 

 

Download the Multicultural Tobacco-Free Coalition Resources

Download Resources

Contact Us

For more information, please contact Jasmine Simmons.

email:  [email protected]

phone: 704-572-1979