Monroe County Tobacco Prevention Program to “Uproot The Truth” About Tobacco’s Harmful Effects on Black Communities

Key West, FLA. – Tobacco Prevention Program Staff will use the upcoming Tobacco Free Florida Week to draw attention to the root causes of tobacco’s deadly toll on Monroe County’s Black population. With social justice issues being at the forefront of recent public discussion, the week of action will be themed Uproot the Truth: Tobacco Use in the Black Community.

Beginning Sunday, April 25 and coinciding with the conclusion of National Minority Health Month, the local and statewide campaign will examine the deep, institutional reasons for the inequality in health outcomes associated with the Black community and tobacco use.

Tobacco’s deadly health effects play a major role in nearly all leading causes of death among African Americans in Florida, including heart disease, cancer and stroke.1,2,3

During Tobacco Free Florida Week, Tobacco Prevention Program Staff will work to Uproot the Truth by exposing some of the underlying reasons for this health disparity. Statewide, data shows that that non-Hispanic Blacks in Florida are less likely than the overall population to have healthcare coverage and more likely to report not seeing a doctor in the past year due to cost.4

African-American communities are also disproportionately targeted by predatory marketing, advertising and sponsorship campaigns from Big Tobacco.5,6 These initiatives often promote products such as menthol cigarettes, which are proven to be even more addictive and more toxic.7

“All across Florida, health organizations are coming together for Tobacco Free Florida Week to Uproot the Truth, and at The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County we’re proud to be part of this critical campaign to raise awareness of this serious social justice issue,” said Bob Eadie, Administrator and Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County. “We urge everyone in the community to learn more about tobacco’s deadly effects on the Black population in our neighborhoods and across our state.”

Aligned with concerns regarding the lack of access to healthcare, Tobacco Free Florida offers a wide array of medically proven cessation services completely free and regardless of insurance. “Quit Your Way” services include Phone Quit, Group Quit, Web Quit, text support and more.

Those interested in quitting or helping a loved one quit can call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (877-822- 6669) or visit www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway.

Tobacco Prevention Program Manager, Brandie Peretz, encourages people across the state to use Tobacco Free Florida Week, beginning April 25, to learn more and share information on the social justice issues connected to tobacco as a leading preventable cause of death and disease throughout Florida’s Black community. More information regarding the campaign can be found at www.tobaccofreeflorida.com/uproot.

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