Jackson, MS (May 26, 2023) – No Menthol Sunday was observed May 21, 2023, at Calvary M.B. Church in Renova, MS. Sponsored by the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, No Menthol Sunday is designed to raise the consciousness of the faith community regarding health disparities associated with tobacco use. During worship services, Rev. Johnnie E. Cummings, III, spoke to Calvary members about tobacco’s negative impact on the health of African Americans. Calvary’s No Menthol Sunday activities educated parishioners about smoking, vaping, and the dangers of menthol tobacco.
No Menthol Sundayis a national observance led by The Center for Black Health and Equity. It is implemented statewide via the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. No Menthol Sunday provides the information and tools needed for individuals to stand against the tobacco industry and to create healthy, tobacco-free communities. On No Menthol Sunday, Institute staff distributed tobacco cessation products, promotional items, and wellness resources to churches in the Mississippi Delta and Central Mississippi.
According to the Truth Initiative, African Americans have higher rates of death from tobacco-related diseases and are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke. Nearly 90% of all African American smokers use menthol cigarettes, and more than 39,000 African Americans die from tobacco-related cancers each year.
The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health implements culturally specific tobacco cessation programs throughout the State of Mississippi. For more information, contact Trakendria Barnes at (769) 572-5263 or via email at tbarnes@advancingminorityhealth.org.
Cover Photo: (L-R) Mr. Charles Cole, Rubie Wesley, Cynthia Benford, Marcia Barnes, Roneisha Murray, Michael Simms, Millicent Cole, Pamela Martin, Inett Jackson, Felicia Graham, Jacqueline Simms, Justin Beamon, Jurel Beamon, Iyana McGhee, and Rev. Larry McGhee.
Media Contacts:
Dr. Sandra Melvin, iamh@advancingminorityhealth.org (769) 572-5263
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The Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health was established in 2019 to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged and underserved minority populations in Mississippi through the development of collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders and the implementation of evidence-based public health interventions with a particular focus on health equity.
