Breaking the Hold: Addressing Racialized Trauma and Menthol Inequities

Menthol and the use of mentholated tobacco products can significantly contribute to an individual’s mental health challenges and cause concern to overall wellbeing such as increased stress and anxiety. Commercial tobacco, and specifically menthol cigarettes, have been historically marketed toward Black and African American communities, resulting in higher menthol use in these communities. The gaps in policy and lack of accountability for predatorial practices create a hold on the communities’ capacity to create necessary, sustainable changes to eliminate the toll of tobacco. A history of racialized, systemic trauma compounds the challenges in individuals’ tobacco cessation and recovery journeys.

Join the National Behavioral Health Network on Thursday, June 20, 3-5 p.m. ET for a masterclass on understanding systemic, racialized trauma in relation to tobacco-related health disparities and applying intersectional frameworks to address menthol inequities

By attending this masterclass, participants will:
• Increase their understanding of the systemic, racialized lens to trauma and its impact.
• Explore opportunities and barriers to integrating trauma-informed and whole person approaches to addressing tobacco-related health disparities.
• Strategize to reduce the disproportionate impact of menthol on Black and African American communities.

This Masterclass will feature the following speakers:
• Terence Fitzgerald, PhD, EdM, MSW, Consultant, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
• Kimberly Caldwell, MSPH, Tobacco Program Manager, The Center for Black Health & Equity