Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to live a healthy life. This is called health equity. Achieving health equity means addressing system-wide problems, unfair practices, and discriminatory conditions that have a negative impact on the health of specific groups in our society. Commercial tobacco is a huge health disparity for the African American community.

It’s no secret that tobacco companies have a long history of trying to influence the African American community. Tobacco companies strategically advertise more aggressively in markets with a larger African American population. They also donate to historically Black colleges and universities, sponsor scholarships for African American students and give money to influential African American people/organizations.

African American people also experience discrimination and exclusionary practices from systems meant to protect and improve their health and well-being. Research shows that some African American people are less likely to seek care because of discriminatory or neglectful practices by healthcare systems.

Both factors play a huge part in why smoking-related diseases and deaths are significantly higher for African Americans. According to the CDC, despite starting to smoke cigarettes later in life African American people are more likely to have smoking-related health problems (e.g., heart disease, diabetes) than any other racial or ethnic groups.

Are You or Someone You Know at Risk?

February is Black History Month and at CADS we aim to treat everyone fairly, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender, or sexual orientation. We know that quitting smoking can be hard, and we’re here to help throughout the process. CADS is committed to helping those in need. We are focused on support, care, and treatment services designed to meet the needs of each person and their loved ones. Start today by taking our quick online assessment.

Be sure to contact us at CADS for substance abuse support, recovery, prevention, and treatment services.

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