African Americans and Commercial Tobacco
Smoking-related illnesses are the number one cause of death in the African American community, causing around 45,000 deaths per year. And even though African American smokers tend to smoke less, they are more likely to die from smoking than white smokers.
No one knows the reason for this for sure, but it could be because African American smokers are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes, which may encourage deeper puffs that are held in the lungs longer. There is documented history of the tobacco industry marketing menthol tobacco to African American communities according to Truth Initiative.
African American smokers tend to think smoking is socially unacceptable and are highly motivated to quit.
"I enjoy seeing my patients' faces light up when I recommend the Pathways to Freedom strategy of using prayer and setting Dr. Martin Luther King Day as a quit date."
- Dr. Sharon Marable
Rhode Island Department of Health Providence, Rhode Island
QuitlineNC
QuitlineNC provides the counseling and support that can help you quit. They can send you materials in the mail and offer other tools to help you get started on your tobacco-free life.
QuitlineNC also offers education around menthol and how this flavor that makes tobacco easier to start and harder to quit can impact addiction. The minty flavor masks the harshness of tobacco, making it a major driver of youth starting use.
Pathways to Freedom: Leading the Way to a Smoke-Free Community
QuitlineNC uses the Pathways to Freedom guide as part of helping African American people who use tobacco quit.
The Center for Black Health and Equity also has resources to help African Americans quit.