A new conversation about tobacco use and peer support
Thursday, Feb 18, 3:00 – 4:30 PM Eastern Time
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Description
In this first webinar, we discuss why a peer support-oriented discussion is so important and the need for those with tobacco use experience to step forward as champions for themselves and others. According to the CDC, “smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death… adults with mental health conditions consumed almost 40% of all cigarettes smoked overall.”[1]
In this webinar, we also describe how people with mental health conditions, people of color, and people in other marginalized communities have been targeted by the billions of dollars the tobacco industry spends on advertising each year and ways in which these groups have routinely been subjected to oppressive and coercive treatment related to tobacco use.
Large disparities exist in reaching people in mental health and marginalized communities with public health programs related to tobacco use. Culturally competent conversations and approaches, such as peer support, are essential to prevent further loss of life in these vulnerable populations.
The webinar will include personal stories by the presenters related to their own tobacco use, common misconceptions about tobacco and nicotine, the continuum of use (quitting is not a realistic goal for everyone and reduction in use can be beneficial for almost anyone), effective methods for regaining control over tobacco use, and the ways in which peer support can offer a non-judgmental space for talking about and exploring changes related to tobacco use. Join us!
Presenters: Amanda Saake, Susan Friedlander, Gina Calhoun, Regina Shoen, and LaVerne Miller. Moderated by Rita Cronise.
Footnote: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Burden of cigarette use. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/data/cigarette-smoking-in-united-states.html