A just society ensures that no individual, regardless of race or ethnicity, is continually exposed to things that we know are harmful. Yet, for decades, commercial tobacco companies have disproportionately targeted communities of color with intensified advertising, discounts, and displays of their deadly products. This aggressive marketing has resulted in increased use of mentholated products and consequent health issues. We all bear the responsibility to uphold people’s dignity by promoting and protecting health and well-being. To achieve this, these harmful practices must be changed.
Recognizing this urgent challenge, The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) recently launched the Menthol Capacity Building web page. This website is designed to be a centralized location for menthol-related resources and tools. The goal is to support the menthol capacity building efforts of state health departments, community-based partners, and other stakeholders by promoting effective commercial tobacco control strategies.
The site features information, trainings, and success stories from the learning collaborative that ASTHO launched in partnership with the CDC and the Center for Black Health and Equity. It also offers practical advice for countering the impact of the commercial tobacco industry as well as links to the latest menthol capacity building resources.