The Cumberland County Department of Public Health is observing No Menthol Sunday, which is on Sunday, May 16. It’s a national awareness day led by the Center for Black Health and Equity. This year’s theme is ‘A New Day!’ and encourages residents to embrace the opportunity to build tobacco-free communities that are healthy.

Each year, No Menthol Sunday encourages faith leaders to dedicate the day to educate their congregants about smoking, vaping and the role of flavored tobacco products. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show nearly 15% of African American adults in the United States use tobacco products. A report from the Surgeon General found that tobacco use is a major contributor to the three leading causes of death among African Americans—heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The Health Department stands alongside the Center for Black Health and Equity’s initiative. This gives an opportunity for the Department to focus on the impact tobacco is having on African American communities.

“Even though the current pandemic has increased the risk of smoking-related death in our community, there is so much that we can all do,” said the Director of the Department of Public Health Dr. Jennifer Green. “Progress towards a complete ban on menthol and mentholated tobacco products is near.”

On April 29, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is beginning the process of banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Data show, 85-90% of African American cigarette smokers choose menthol flavored cigarettes, while only 30% of white cigarette smokers do. If implemented and equitably enforced, the FDA’s ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will keep these products off the market, and at the same time will not penalize those who purchase or possess tobacco products.

To increase awareness of this issue, the Health Department is featuring two documentaries on Cumberland County North Carolina TV (CCNC-TV). Black Lives, Black Lungs and Pathways to Freedom will air on Spectrum Cable channel 5 throughout the month of May. Learn more about No Menthol Sunday here.

If an individual is ready to quit smoking, there are programs and resources to help. QuitlineNC provides free counseling and support to help people quit. The organization can send materials in the mail and offer other tools to help get started on a tobacco-free life. Visit quitlinenc.com or call 1-800-Quit-Now to learn more.